Pubs employing illegal immigrants face instant closure

By Emily Sutherland

- Last updated on GMT

Immigration minister James Brokenshire says the UK 'will not be a soft touch'
Immigration minister James Brokenshire says the UK 'will not be a soft touch'

Related tags Minister james brokenshire Immigration to the united states

Pubs who employ illegal immigrants could be stripped of their licences and face immediate closure for 48 hours under new powers outlined in the Immigration Bill.

The bill, due to be introduced this autumn, includes a new range of powers to deter immigrants from trying to work in Britain illegally and crack down on the businesses that employ them. 

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said: “Anyone who thinks the UK is a soft touch should be in no doubt — if you are here illegally, we will take action to stop you from working, renting a flat, opening a bank account or driving a car.

"As a one nation government we will continue to crack down on abuse and build an immigration system that works in the best interests of the British people and those who play by the rules.

"Through our new Immigration Bill, illegal workers will face the prospect of a prison term and rogue employers could have their businesses closed, have their licences removed, or face prosecution if they continue to flout the law.”

New powers in the bill will make it easier to prosecute any employer who ‘reasonably suspects’ that their employees don’t have permission to work in the UK and the government also plans to lower the evidence requirement to prove the offence to boost convictions.

The government is hoping that the bill will go some way to solving the on going crisis in Calais, where over 5,000 migrants are trying to enter Britain.

Related topics Legislation

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