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Construction sites targeted in illegal working crackdown
Cristina Lago Deputy Editor
(Image: Tktktk via Dreamstime.com)
Construction sites are among the businesses the Home Office is focusing on as part of its operations to tackle illegal working in the UK.
There have been more than 6,000 arrests and 9,000 visits across the UK since July 2024, said the department. The number of arrests represents a 51% increase.
Immigration Enforcement teams have intensified activity in towns, cities and villages to tackle those abusing the UK immigration system and exploiting vulnerable people.
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They have focused in particular on employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage, at thousands of construction sites, restaurants and nail bars.
In March, 36 people were arrested during a major operation at a construction site in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry to the UK with no permission to work.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally.
“This will no longer be tolerated on our watch. That’s why we are ramping up our enforcement activity and introducing tougher laws to finally get a grip of our immigration and asylum system.
“Under our Plan for Change, we will continue to root out unscrupulous employers and disrupt illegal workers who undermine our border security.”
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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