The UK government has tightened its stance on illegal working — and businesses that fail to act face more than just fines. With civil penalties now reaching £60,000 per illegal worker, plus the risk of business closures, director disqualifications, and even prison sentences, the importance of robust right to work checks has never been clearer.
At Capcon, we’re seeing an increasing number of businesses seek urgent support after realising that informal or inconsistent screening processes are leaving them exposed. The cost of getting it wrong is no longer just financial — it’s reputational, operational, and potentially existential.
What’s Changed?
In a move to curb illegal employment and level the playing field across sectors, the UK government has introduced stricter enforcement of mandatory right to work checks. This now applies to all businesses, including those employing:
- Casual or seasonal staff
- Gig economy workers
- Zero-hours contractors
Between July 2024 and March 2025, over 1,500 civil penalty notices were issued to UK employers — a clear message that enforcement is active and escalating.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to conduct proper right to work checks can lead to:
- Fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker
- Loss of licences or contracts
- Reputational damage with clients, staff and regulators
- Criminal prosecution, including up to 5 years’ imprisonment for directors or managers knowingly employing individuals without status
With government inspections becoming more frequent and high-profile cases making headlines, this is not an area where businesses can afford uncertainty.
How Capcon Helps
At Capcon, we offer comprehensive employee screening and vetting services, tailored to help your business stay compliant without disruption.
Our Right to Work Solutions Include:
- Full vetting of employee status, including document checks and verification
- Ongoing compliance monitoring, aligned with the latest legal updates
- Clear audit trails, should proof of due diligence be required
- Affordable packages, accessible for businesses of all sizes
Whether you’re hiring permanent staff or onboarding temporary workers for the summer season, we’ll ensure your processes are legally sound and seamlessly implemented.
“Screening is not a back-office admin task — it’s a core part of business protection. With the risks now so high, proactive compliance is the only safe option.”
~ Ken Dulieu, Chairman of Capcon and Head of Capcon Argen
Can You Afford Not To?
The risk is real — but it’s also avoidable. Investing in expert screening support today can save your business from serious consequences tomorrow.
Contact us to book a compliance review or request our latest pricing.
Learn more about our employee screening services.
Capcon. Confidence Behind the Scenes.
