Are your workers legal?

Since working with new companies and smaller businesses I often find they are unwittingly putting themselves at risk by not implementing proper procedures to check if their employees are entitled to work in the UK. Whilst the more severe penalties, including unlimited fines and prison sentences, are for employers that knowingly employ illegal migrants, even those who unknowingly employ such people due to poor recruitment or employment practices can face penalties of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker.

The UK Border Agency publishes guides to assist companies when employing refugees and asylum seekers. Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council has said "We and our partners have been recommending the UKBA publish new and up-to-date guidance for employers for some time, so we are delighted they have now done so. We would urge employers to take heed of the new booklet, to ensure they not only recognise refugees' right to work in the UK, but so they can also capitalise on the amazing skills and talents refugees can bring to the British workplace."

Putting in place effective employment practices to ensure that you do not expose your company to unnecessary risk is essential. For more information and contact details follow the link. After all, if Attorney General Baroness Scotland can get it wrong chances are someone of far less experience could too!