Home Office to launch ads warning against employing illegal workers

The Government is set to unveil an advertising campaign that aims to raise awareness of the penalities for employing illegal workers. It will launch on January 14.

The move follows revelations in early December than an illegal immigrant was employed as a security guard at the Home Office, working at the front desk of the department’s headquarters in Westminster.

The radio and press campaign aims to remind businesses that employing illegal workers could land them with fines of up to £10,000 for every illegal worker they hire or up to two years in prison.

Liam Byrne, the immigration minister (pictured), says: “Illegal working attracts illegal migrants and undercuts British wages. That is why we are determined to shut it down. The message is clear for employers – we will not tolerate illegal working. This highly visible marketing campaign will ensure employers have no excuse for breaking the rules.”