Employers hiring illegal workers risk £60,000 fine or five years in jail from October 1: UK Govt

The UK Home Office said, “Gig economy employers will be legally required to ensure Right to Work checks are undertaken.”

Ahmed Oluwasanjo • July 1, 2026

UK Home office (Credit:UK)

The United Kingdom on Wednesday warned that employers hiring illegal workers as food delivery drivers or construction workers will pay a fine of £60,000 per illegal worker or risk five years in jail.

The UK Home Office made this announcement in a statement on Wednesday, adding it would take effect from October 1.

“From 1 October, employers caught hiring illegal workers as food delivery drivers or construction workers will face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker or five years in prison,” the Home Office said.

It added, “Gig economy employers will be legally required to ensure Right to Work checks are undertaken.”

This comes as UK government clamps down on illegal workers in the country.

Last year, the UK government said, “Clamping down on illegal working forms a critical part of the government’s plan to strengthen the entire immigration system, restoring tough enforcement of the rules and undermine people smugglers using the false promise of jobs for migrants.”

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