UK fines employers £74m over illegal workers, arrests 4,700

United Kingdom authorities have imposed £74 million in fines on employers hiring illegal workers and arrested about 4,700 undocumented workers within six months.

According to Peoples Gazette, the Home Office said penalties targeted sectors including beauty, retail and hospitality, marking the most successful six-month enforcement period in British history.

From October, gig economy and zero-hours employers, including delivery firms, will be legally required to conduct Right to Work checks. Violators face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications and prison sentences of up to five years.