Home Office Reports Record Illegal‑Working Crackdown as London Tops Arrests

Overview

• London recorded 2,172 arrests for illegal working last year, the highest of any UK region, according to new Home Office data.
• Across 2025 there were roughly 12,800 enforcement visits and about 9,000 arrests, marking increases of around 58% and 60% respectively compared with 2024.
• Immigration Enforcement issued more than 2,400 civil penalties worth about £130 million, with the government stating the funds will be reinvested in border and enforcement operations.
• Restaurants accounted for the most arrests at roughly 2,500, followed by distribution and delivery services at 1,106 and beauty businesses such as nail salons and barbers at 1,052.
• New laws extend right‑to‑work checks to the gig economy, and the Home Office is working with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats to strengthen ID verification for riders and drivers.