Guide to Civil Penalties for Illegal Work in the UK

The UK government has intensified its crackdown on illegal working, leading to an increase in enforcement activities across England. As a result, we are witnessing a growing number of civil penalties being issued to employers found in breach of immigration laws.

This guide provides a detailed overview of civil penalties for illegal working, including the process of enforcement, the consequences for employers, and the steps businesses should take to ensure compliance. If you are facing a civil penalty or want to safeguard your business, our leading London law firm is here to provide expert legal guidance.

The UK Government is Cracking Down – Are You at Risk?

The Home Office has intensified its crackdown on illegal working, increasing enforcement activity across the UK. More businesses than ever are facing severe civil penalties, reputational damage, and even criminal liability for failing to comply with immigration laws.

Can your business afford a fine of up to £60,000 per illegal worker? If not, you need a proactive legal strategy in place – and fast.

At Lexvisa, we specialise in protecting businesses from Home Office penalties, ensuring compliance, and defending against unfair enforcement actions. Whether you need urgent representation or preventive guidance, our expert immigration team is here to help.

What is The Civil Penalty For Employing an Illegal Worker?

The UK’s immigration laws are unforgiving. Under Section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, employers can be penalised for hiring individuals without the right to work. This applies to workers who:

• Have overstayed their visa or lack valid immigration status.
• Have restrictions on their right to work in the UK.
• Have never been granted permission to work in the first place.

The consequences for non-compliance are severe: substantial fines, potential disqualification as a company director, loss of your sponsorship licence, and damage to your company’s reputation.

Our specialist legal team can help you avoid these risks by ensuring full compliance and providing expert defence if you’ve already received a penalty.

Is a Civil Penalty Serious?

Yes. If you’ve received a civil penalty notice from the Home Office, you have limited time to respond. Here’s what happens next:

1. Investigation & Notice – The Home Office identifies a potential breach and issues a Civil Penalty Referral Notice. 
2. Information Request – You may be asked to provide supporting documents within 10 days. 
3. Decision Notice – A Civil Penalty Notice is issued, outlining the fine and next steps.

You can object within 28 days, and if necessary, appeal to the County Court. But without expert legal representation, your chances of success diminish.

Act fast – our experienced lawyers can challenge unfair penalties and minimise financial damage.

Can You Reduce or Overturn a Civil Penalty?

Yes. Many businesses wrongly assume that once they receive a fine, they must pay it in full. However, with the right legal approach, penalties can be reduced or even cancelled.

You can challenge a civil penalty on the following grounds:

• You were not the employer – The Home Office made an error.
• You have a statutory excuse – You carried out the correct Right to Work checks.
• The fine is excessive – Errors in Home Office calculations.

Our dedicated team has a proven track record of successfully reducing or overturning penalties for businesses across the UK. Let us handle your case while you focus on running your business.

Why Choose Our Expert Immigration Team?

At Lexvisa, we provide businesses with expert legal defence, compliance strategies, and proactive risk management to prevent civil penalties before they happen.

Specialist Immigration Lawyers – Decades of experience defending businesses against Home Office penalties. 

Proven Track Record – Successfully reducing fines and protecting employers from financial ruin. 

Urgent Support Available – Time is critical – we act fast to challenge penalties and protect your business. 

Tailored Compliance Solutions – We help businesses implement the right processes to stay compliant and avoid future fines.

Protect Your Business – Contact Us Today

Civil penalties for illegal working can cripple a business. Don’t let Home Office enforcement catch you off guard.

If you’ve received a penalty or want to safeguard your company from fines, act now. Our expert lawyers are ready to fight for you.

Contact us now on 02030110276.

Stay compliant. Stay protected. Let our experts handle your case and shield your business.