UK Hits Record 12,322 Illegal Work Arrests Under Labour

The United Kingdom recorded its highest number of arrests for illegal working in history during the Labour government's first 18 months in power, with more than 12,300 people detained following a nationwide surge in enforcement raids. From July 2024, when Labour took office after the general election, through the end of 2025, immigration officers conducted 17,483 visits to businesses across the country, an increase of 77 percent compared to the previous 18-month period. The operations, targeting sectors vulnerable to exploitation such as car washes, nail bars, barbershops, restaurants, construction sites, and delivery services, resulted in 12,322 arrests, up 83 percent from 6,725 in the prior timeframe.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the figures, emphasizing the government's commitment to curbing unauthorized employment. "There is no place for illegal working in our communities," she said. "That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide. I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders."

Of those arrested, 1,726 individuals have been removed from the...