Illegal working arrests soar as Reform migration plan mocked

Illegal working arrests have more than doubled in two years, with the Government announcing a major enforcement surge as Reform UK faces ridicule over another migration pledge.

Home Office figures show 17,000 people have been arrested since July 2024 — a 122% rise on the previous two years. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said rogue employers and people without the right to work in Britain now have "nowhere to hide".

Enforcement Blitz Sends Arrests Soaring

The figures come after a week-long crackdown that saw Immigration Enforcement visit more than 900 locations and make 269 arrests, including 57 people linked to small boat arrivals.

A further 2,357 people have been returned to their home countries after being arrested for illegal working since the general election — a 50% increase.

Mahmood said the Government had put more resources into enforcement, describing the latest activity as the highest level in British history.

Zia Yusuf’s ‘Deliveroo Law’ Backfires

The announcement came as Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf was accused of attempting to divert attention from allegations surrounding the party with a fresh plan targeting illegal working.

Yusuf said bosses employing people without the right to work would face prison under a Reform government. But the pledge was swiftly mocked after opponents pointed out that employers can already face prison sentences of up to five years.

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson branded Yusuf a "pillock", accusing him of announcing a policy that already exists.

Government Targets Gig Economy

Mahmood has separately pledged tougher action against illegal working in the gig economy. From October, delivery companies including Deliveroo will be legally required to check that workers operating under their name have the right to work in Britain.

Companies could face fines of up to £60,000 per person, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years for failures.

Reform Doubles Down as Pressure Mounts

Reform has promised even tougher measures, including prison for bosses and fines worth 10% of global company revenues. Yusuf also proposed a public tip line for reporting suspected illegal working and gang activity, potentially with cash rewards.

The party has already faced criticism over plans to use the Royal Navy to intercept small boats, which France rejected as a violation of its sovereignty.

Labour accused Reform of using headline-grabbing migration announcements to distract from mounting controversy surrounding Nigel Farage and his party, as questions continue over undeclared money and donations.

Illegal working arrests soar as top Reform figure Zia Yusuf branded 'pillock' over migration plan