Effective enforcement and support must underpin new immigration system, says REC

The REC is calling for more efficient enforcement by the Home Office following its announcement of the latest wave of changes in the way that UK immigration policy is implemented.

Key measures the Home Office is planning include better support for employers and agencies and more effective enforcement against organisations that employ or place illegal workers.

The new measures were announced this week by the Immigration Minister Liam Byrne who outlined the Governmentís overall objective as being ìcommitted to making the system easier for those we want to come, but tougher on those abusing itî.

The REC is represented on several Home Office working groups including the Illegal Working Stakeholder Group and the Employer Taskforce and received early notification of the changes announced this week.

Commenting on the new measures, REC Director of External Relations Tom Hadley, said: ìOver the last few years, an increasing onus has been placed on employers and recruitment agencies to check individualsí rights to work in the UK. The REC has consistently called for more support from the Home Office and we therefore welcome todayís announcement.

ìBetter enforcement against rogue providers that knowingly place illegal workers and undercut law abiding agencies is also long overdue. Employers must be encouraged to play their part by being discerning in their choice of providers in order to freeze out cowboy operatorsî.

The Home Office announcement also confirmed that visa fees would increase but that the additional money raised would be used to support the enhanced support for employers and agencies and more effective enforcement.