UK arrests over 4,700 illegal workers in first half of 2026, Home Office reports record enforcement

The United Kingdom has intensified its crackdown on illegal working, with Immigration Enforcement officers making over 4,700 arrests in the first six months of 2026. Official figures released by the Home Office reveal a 20% increase in arrests compared to the same period in 2025, alongside a 31% rise in business raids.

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Latest figures show that in the first six months of 2026, Immigration Enforcement arrested more than 4,700 illegal workers – the most successful six-month period in British history.

The Home Office described the period from January to June 2026 as the "most successful six-month period in British history" for illegal working enforcement. Since July 2024, more than 17,000 arrests have been made, marking a 122% increase over the preceding two years. London led the country with 1,256 arrests, followed by the West Midlands and the South West.

Employers in sectors such as beauty, retail, and hospitality have already faced £74 million in civil penalties this year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that "rogue employers have nowhere to hide." The government is also increasing penalties for employers in the gig economy, with fines potentially reaching up to £60,000 per illegal worker or five years in prison starting October 1.

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This surge in enforcement activity takes us to the highest level in British history. Illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide.

However, Reform UK criticized the figures, with home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf claiming the government is "insulting the intelligence of the British public" and that the "scourge of illegal working" is visibly growing. The party suggests the new figures do not reflect the reality on the ground.

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The British public can see the scourge of illegal working growing all around them. Labour is only insulting their intelligence by claiming it is not.