As part of a small business, you understand
how complicated the process of hiring new
employees can be; but are you making sure
that you are meeting legislation on hiring
workers legally?
The new measures to increase fines and
checkups on business that employ workers
illegally come into force in February 2008.
Employers who negligently hire illegal
workers could be fined up to £10,000 per
illegal employee; and those who knowingly
hire one face unlimited fines and even a
prison sentence.
With so many rules and regulations that vary
depending on which country your potential
employee comes from; it is more important
than ever to make sure your employment
processes are set up to deal with the
pitfalls of hiring foreign employees.
The changes are part of a shake up of
immigration laws, designed to make sure that
workers who come to this country are
providing necessary skills.
You need to make sure that you meet the
rules when hiring new employees, this means
checking all new employees are legally able
to work here, and storing specific records
to demonstrate you have checked them
adequately.
Details on what you need to check, how to
check it, applying for permits, and storing
copies of necessary data are available in
our dedicated article, linked below.
Our article Employing Foreign Workers
Legally is available here.
