As illegal working raids and arrests hit a record high, Shropshire businesses are being warned to make sure their recruitment policies are up to date and compliant.

Activity to crack down on illegal workers has reached its highest level since records began in 2019, with Government data showing the number of raids rose by 77 per cent between July 2024 and the end of last year.

The number of arrests increased by 83 per cent during the same period.

More than 17,400 enforcement raids were conducted by Home Office immigration teams on businesses including food takeaways, barbers, car washes and nail bars.

Over 12,300 people were arrested, with the Government accusing them of “attempting to undercut honest workers and hide in plain sight”.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “There is no place for illegal working in our communities. That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide. I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”

Alasdair Hobbs, managing director at Telford-based HR consultancy Human Results, said it was now more important than ever for businesses to carry out proper right to work checks for all staff.

He said: “Employers should urgently review their recruitment processes and ensure they’re compliant, particularly with new checks coming in for casual and gig workers.

“It’s vital for all businesses to do this - even though they might be sure that every member of staff has the right to work in the UK, the relevant policies still need to be in place.

“It’s certainly something we are reminding our clients about, and will continue to do so over the coming weeks and months.”

The rise in raids comes alongside wider immigration reforms designed to increase enforcement powers and accelerate the removal of people without legal status in the UK, with Immigration Enforcement receiving an extra £5 million in funding last year.

Recent cases have highlighted the potential consequences for employers found to be non-compliant. The owners of a takeaway - Big Fry Fish and Chips in Egham, Surrey - were fined £40,000 in 2025 after employing someone without the legal right to work in the UK.

For more advice about employment law and HR policies, contact Alasdair Hobbs at Human Results in Telford by visiting www.humanresults.co.uk or call 01952 288361.