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Illegal Working Group


This page provides information on the Illegal Working Group, a high-level stakeholder group chaired by the Minister for Borders and Immigration and attended by the Minister for Postal Affairs and Employment Relations.

Since its establishment in 2002, the group has been a useful forum where the government can consult key stakeholders on illegal working and related issues and understand the impact of government policy on employers and employees. Members of the group have developed a detailed knowledge of illegal working legislation and practice.

The group meets approximately three times per year. It gives its members an opportunity to contribute to and improve government policy, as well as a responsibility to convey a strong message to their own membership, workforce or stakeholders on the prevention of illegal working and circulate awareness of changes to the law.

Aims of the group

The aims of the group are to:

  • provide advice and guidance to government on the development of legislation to tackle illegal migrant working;
  • provide advice and guidance to business and the public on policies to reduce illegal migrant working and the problems associated with it;
  • improve compliance and provide practical support to employers and employees;
  • develop workable compliance tools, such as codes of practice and guidance;
  • consider issues relating to illegal migrant working to better inform debate; and
  • send out a strong message of determination to tackle illegal migrant working, exploitation and associated criminality.

Members of the group

The Illegal Working Group consists of representatives from:

  • the Association of Labour Providers
  • the Health and Safety Executive
  • the British Apparel and Textile Confederation
  • the Immigration Advisory Service
  • the British Chambers of Commerce
  • the British Hospitality Association
  • the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
  • the Cleaning and Support Services Association
  • the National Farmers' Union
  • NCP Services
  • the Equality and Human Rights Commission
  • NHS Employers
  • the Commission for Social Care Inspection
  • the Confederation of British Industry
  • the Recruitment and Employment Confederation
  • the Construction Confederation
  • Sainsbury's
  • the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
  • the Scottish Trades Union Congress
  • the Trades Union Congress
  • the Employability Forum