Employers urged to prepare for upcoming immigration law

Posted on 30 January 2008

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With the Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 due to come into force next month, employers have been urged to remain aware in order to avoid employing illegal immigrants.

Employers who fail to carry out proper checks of a new employee's approved documentation face fines of up to £10,000 or a prison term of two years.

According to legal experts, official documents include a full UK or European Economic Area passport or a full British birth certificate and document from a previous employer or Jobcentre Plus (such as a P45/P60) confirming the person's National Insurance number.

A work permit and passport endorsed to show leave to enter or remain in the UK and permission to take the employment in question are also accepted.

Alison Davies, an associate in the London employment and immigration team of Steeles Law, said: "The Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 repeals and replaces the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. The main measures of this new Act will come into force on 29 February 2008.

"The new Act will impose new civil penalties on employers of illegal workers, ranging from up to £2,000 per illegal employee with a possible maximum penalty likely to be set at £10,000. The Act also provides for a new criminal offence of employing a person knowing that they are not legally entitled to work in the UK."

Category: Tax & Legislation News

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