UK Arrests Over 4,700 Illegal Workers in H1 2026

The Home Office announced that UK Immigration Enforcement officers arrested 4,756 individuals for illegal work during the first half of 2026, representing a 20% increase from the same period in 2025. This surge in arrests coincided with 7,270 raids on businesses, a 31% year-on-year rise, making it the most successful six-month period in British history for illegal working enforcement.

Since July 2024, over 17,000 arrests related to illegal working have been made, reflecting a 122% increase compared to the previous two years. London recorded the highest number of arrests at 1,256, followed by the West Midlands with 701 and the South West with 693.

Employers in sectors such as beauty, retail, and hospitality faced £74 million in civil penalties this year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide.

Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf criticized Labour's response to the figures, claiming it insults public intelligence. Starting October 1, penalties for hiring illegal workers in the gig economy could reach £60,000 per worker or five years in prison.