UK arrests over 4,700 illegal workers in H1 2026

In the first six months of 2026, the United Kingdom's Immigration Enforcement officers arrested over 4,700 illegal workers, marking the most successful six-month period in British history according to the Home Office. This represents a 20% increase from the same period in 2025, with a total of 7,270 raids conducted on businesses, up 31% compared to the previous year.

London led the arrests with 1,256 individuals, followed by the West Midlands with 701, and the South West with 693. Illegal working enforcement has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 17,000 arrests made since July 2024, a 122% increase over the previous two years. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, emphasized that illegal workers and rogue employers have "nowhere to hide" with the intensified crackdown.

Civil penalties for employers, such as those in beauty, retail, and hospitality sectors, have reached £74 million this year. Reform UK criticized the figures, accusing Labour of insulting the British public's intelligence. The Home Office is also increasing penalties for companies hiring illegal workers in the gig economy, with fines potentially reaching £60,000 per illegal worker or five years in prison.