The UK has tightened its illegal working rules, increasing the maximum civil penalty for employers to £60,000 per illegal worker and extending liability to businesses operating through subcontractors and online work platforms.
The updated statutory code of practice titled “ Code of practice on preventing illegal working: Right to Work scheme for employers ” which came into effect in October 2026. Under the new rules, employers face a fine of £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach, rising to £60,000 for a repeat breach within three years.
