Are you compliant?

Staffordshire-based solicitors and employment law specialists Knights LLP are urging employers to review their HR practices in light of new rules governing the recruitment of illegal migrant workers. Under new legislation introduced in February of this year, the government is striving to tackle the perceived problem of illegal workers in the UK.

The legislation applies to all employers, with penalties including heavy fines and even imprisonment for the individual responsible for recruitment. A number of changes, including the abolition of the work permit system and other modes of entry into the country have come into force. The new Points Based System has replaced the old regime. The new system mimics those adopted by countries such as Australia and Canada, requiring employers to be licensed with the Home Office subject to a compliance inspection before they can sponsor the worker to enter the country.

Associate at Knights, Lynne Ingram, comments: "Reviewing current systems, even if an employer thinks they are compliant, is vital. HR issues surrounding migrant workers have been radically shaken up, and where an employer was adhering to the law previously, they may suddenly find that this is no longer the case. All sectors have been affected, however some, such as the agricultural and catering industries that traditionally have a high intake of migrant workers, will be particularly vulnerable. Knights' business immigration team can help by auditing current practice and providing advice and assistance under the new system."