Is the Crackdown on Illegal Working Driving Up Arrests?

Recent government actions have resulted in a significant crackdown on illegal migrant work in the UK, with a reported 77% increase in immigration raids and an 83% rise in arrests. The surge, attributed to heightened enforcement by the Home Office, reflects ongoing concerns about illegal employment acting as a magnet for migrants, particularly those crossing the Channel. In 2025 alone, over 41,000 individuals undertook this perilous journey, marking a troubling trend that the government aims to address through stricter regulations and increased funding for enforcement.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The UK government has intensified its crackdown on illegal working, leading to a considerable rise in raids conducted by immigration enforcement teams. According to the Home Office, businesses such as nail bars, car washes, barbers, and takeaways have been the primary targets. This sharp escalation comes amidst a political narrative that suggests illegal work opportunities contribute to the influx of migrants arriving via small boats from France. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised that there is "no place for illegal working in our communities," indicating a firm stance on the issue.

Key takeaways

77% increase in immigration raids on businesses since Labour took power.
83% rise in arrests linked to illegal working across the UK.
Over 41,000 migrants crossed the Channel in 2025, the highest number since 2022.
Majority of arrests concentrated in London, the West Midlands, and south-west England.
Government plans to introduce mandatory digital ID by 2029 to curb illegal working.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline summarises key events leading to the current crackdown on illegal working:

July 2024: Raids and arrests start to increase significantly, laying the groundwork for future actions.
End of December 2025: Over 17,400 businesses raided; 12,300 arrests made, marking an 83% increase.
November 2025: Significant raid in Shoreham-by-Sea results in 13 arrests.
December 2025: High-profile raids in various regions, including Swindon and Kempton Park, leading to multiple arrests.
September 2026: The government announces an additional £5 million funding for immigration enforcement.
2029: Plans for mandatory digital ID implementation to verify the right to work.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest data from the Home Office reveals a marked increase in enforcement activity, with a focus on specific business sectors known for employing illegal workers. The government has also committed to implementing a digital identification system to further restrict illegal employment opportunities.

What was already established

Prior to these recent developments, concerns regarding illegal migrant work had been escalating. The government had been facing criticism for not addressing the issue adequately, particularly as it relates to the growing number of individuals crossing the Channel seeking asylum or work opportunities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The increase in immigration raids could lead to higher service costs in sectors reliant on migrant labour, such as hospitality and construction. Households may also experience changes in service availability as businesses adjust to stricter enforcement measures.

Businesses and jobs

Businesses employing illegal workers may face significant operational disruptions due to raids. The increased scrutiny could deter employers from hiring migrant workers altogether, potentially leading to labour shortages in specific industries. Compliance costs may also rise as businesses adjust to the forthcoming digital ID requirements.

Policy and regulation

The UK government is taking a hardline stance on immigration policies, with upcoming consultations on the implementation of digital ID systems. This shift in policy aims to enhance border control and reduce illegal employment opportunities, which the government believes are central to the problem of illegal migration.

Numbers that matter

17,400: Number of businesses raided by immigration enforcement teams between July 2024 and December 2025.
12,300: Total arrests made during these raids, reflecting an 83% increase.
41,000: Migrants who crossed the Channel in 2025, the highest since 2022.
2,100: Arrests made in London alone, a 47% rise compared to the previous year.
£5 million: Additional funding allocated to Immigration Enforcement to bolster crackdowns.

Definitions and jargon buster

Illegal working: Employment undertaken by individuals who do not have the legal right to work in the UK.
Immigration Enforcement: A division of the Home Office responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Digital ID: A proposed electronic identification system to verify an individual's right to work.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Individuals and businesses should prepare for increased enforcement activity. Those employing migrant workers should review their hiring practices and ensure compliance with current laws to avoid penalties.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the government implements digital ID requirements, businesses will need to adapt their hiring processes. Employers should start considering how to integrate these systems into their operations and prepare for potential labour shortages.

Signals to watch

Updates on digital ID implementation timelines.
Changes in the number of immigration raids or arrests reported by the Home Office.
Reactions from opposition parties and their proposed policies regarding immigration control.

Practical guidance

Do

Regularly review employment records to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Stay informed about the latest government policies regarding immigration enforcement.
Consider legal advice if employing migrant workers to understand obligations and rights.

Don’t

Ignore changes in immigration laws or enforcement practices.
Assume that previous compliance is sufficient; regular audits are essential.
Employ individuals without verifying their right to work in the UK.

Checklist

Are all employees' right-to-work documents up-to-date?
Have you trained staff on compliance with immigration laws?
Are you prepared for potential audits by immigration enforcement?
Do you have a plan for integrating digital ID systems when implemented?
Have you consulted legal professionals regarding your employment practices?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the government’s crackdown on illegal working is designed to deter future crossings and illegal employment, there are risks associated with such policies. Critics argue that heightened enforcement can lead to exploitation of vulnerable workers and may not address the root causes of migration. Additionally, the effectiveness of digital ID systems in preventing illegal work remains uncertain, and potential backlash from businesses reliant on migrant labour could complicate implementation.

Bottom line

The UK government's intensified efforts to curb illegal working are indicative of a broader strategy to manage migration and border control. While the enforcement measures may lead to immediate results in reducing illegal employment, the long-term effectiveness will depend on the successful implementation of new regulations and the ability to address the underlying factors driving migration.

FAQs

What is the current status of illegal working in the UK?

The UK is experiencing a significant crackdown on illegal working, with a reported 77% increase in raids and an 83% rise in arrests associated with illegal employment.

How many migrants crossed the Channel in 2025?

In 2025, over 41,000 individuals made the dangerous journey across the Channel, marking the highest figure since 2022.

What measures is the government taking to combat illegal working?

The government is increasing enforcement activity, providing additional funding for immigration enforcement, and planning to implement mandatory digital ID by 2029 to verify the right to work.