Are your workers legal?

The UK Border Agency state that when recruiting new staff, employers have the responsibility to make the appropriate checks to ensure that they are entitled to work in the UK, and also be satisfied that the documents presented to them are valid and relate to the applicant.

Employers found to be using illegal migrant workers can face a civil penalty of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker. It is also a criminal offence to knowingly employ an illegal worker, carrying a maximum 2 year custodial sentence and/or unlimited fine.

We can help employers by advising on the possibility of a migrant's ability to work in the UK. The prevention of illegal working can however often raise race discrimination issues. When carrying out checks on their employees, you must be careful not to use discriminatory recruitment practices. Our employment team will work closely with you to ensure that you are meeting all employment law needs.

Civil Objections

If you have been given a civil penalty for employing illegal workers we also have expertise in raising civil objections, with a proven track record of significantly reducing the cost of penalties for employers.

Judith Hockin

Associate

0845 450 5558

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Judith qualified as a solicitor on 1 April 2004 and has been with Stephens Scown since July 2006. Judith specialises purely in immigration and nationality issues particularly business related matters.

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Phil Gregory

Partner

0845 450 5558

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Phillip is a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution team and has been with Stephens Scown since 1989. Phillip specialises in private client litigation, with particular expertise in contentious probate, property disputes between co-habitees and other claims arising out of joint ownership of property.

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