Transparency data released on 14 November shows Immigration Enforcement officers carried out 1,737 workplace raids between 1 and 31 October 2025—an increase of 51 per cent on the same period last year—leading to 693 arrests. Cash-based sectors such as mini-marts, nail bars and car washes were targeted in the nationwide operation supported by the National Crime Agency.
The figures arrive just before Parliament debates higher fines for non-compliant employers in the Border Security Bill. The Home Office seized £10.7 million in suspected criminal proceeds during the month-long blitz and destroyed £2.7 million of illicit goods.
![Home Office publishes October crackdown results: 693 arrests for illegal working]()
For HR and mobility teams the message is clear: document checks for casual staff, interns and contractors must be watertight. Civil penalties for illegal working already stand at up to £45,000 per worker for repeat breaches; the October results will strengthen political appetite for even tougher sanctions.
Firms should audit right-to-work processes, ensure digital record-keeping meets the updated Employer Checking Service standards, and brief line managers on red-flag scenarios—especially when using third-party labour providers.
The figures arrive just before Parliament debates higher fines for non-compliant employers in the Border Security Bill. The Home Office seized £10.7 million in suspected criminal proceeds during the month-long blitz and destroyed £2.7 million of illicit goods.
For HR and mobility teams the message is clear: document checks for casual staff, interns and contractors must be watertight. Civil penalties for illegal working already stand at up to £45,000 per worker for repeat breaches; the October results will strengthen political appetite for even tougher sanctions.
Firms should audit right-to-work processes, ensure digital record-keeping meets the updated Employer Checking Service standards, and brief line managers on red-flag scenarios—especially when using third-party labour providers.
