Reform UK pledges to jail bosses employing illegal workers

Reform UK has unveiled a strict policy proposal targeting corporate leadership, vowing to imprison chief executives and directors of large companies that profit from undocumented migrants. The initiative is specifically aimed at stopping delivery networks and gig economy firms from benefiting from illegal labour without facing repercussions.

Zia Yusuf, the party's home affairs spokesperson, stated that young British people are being shut out of entry-level employment while the broader economy suffers from the impacts of illegal working practices.

Under the proposed legislation if the party wins the upcoming general election, senior executives would be held personally and criminally liable for illegal workers in their supply chains. This liability would apply regardless of whether the executives had direct knowledge of the employees' immigration status, drawing a parallel to personal accountability rules enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority for corporate financial misconduct.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Additionally, the party intends to launch a dedicated phone line enabling citizens to report suspected unlawful employment or organised crime. Police and trading standards authorities would be mandated to investigate these reports, with successful prosecutions resulting in informants receiving a share of the collected fines.

"We would introduce the toughest penalties anywhere in the world for illegal working."

Zia Yusuf

Source: BBC Politics