Arguably the most valuable asset to any Advertising & Marketing agency is its talent. Today’s workforce is increasingly international, with companies competing for talent on a global scale. However, as the penalties imposed for employing illegal workers in the first quarter of 2017 are revealed, it’s a stark reminder of the importance to get it right.
Andrew Osborne writes:
"What employers do not always appreciate, is how easy it is to accidentally employ someone to work illegally. Illegal working does not always mean a racket of clandestine migrants, sneaking into the UK on false passports and working in the underground employment market. It can easily be undertaken by innocently missing a visa expiry date, working beyond the limited hours permitted by a visa or outside of the permitted activities."
Read more below.
The ONS has released the illegal working civil penalties data for the first quarter of 2017. The revenue raised was £5,900,000, prior to any adjustment following objections to the penalties. Given the population difference, it is not surprising that London and the South East had the highest number of penalties applied and illegal workers found but there were still large numbers issues in the Midlands and North West as well. Considering the value of these penalties to the Government it is no wonder that immigration compliance is a central focus for the Home Office. To add insult to injury, all civil penalties are published with the full name of the company, their address and the amount of the penalty imposed. These are not just takeaway operations but include well known, reputable companies.
http://www.lewissilkin.com/Insights/Illegal-working-penalties-released-name-shame-and-make-them-pay
unknownx500
