WA19

New immigration laws come into force

Changes to the law for employers on preventing illegal working in the UK have now come into force.

Under section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, employers must make basic document checks on all potential employees, to ensure that they are legally entitled to work in the UK.

The Government has now introduced some key changes to the list of specified documents which are deemed acceptable for the purposes of checking by employers.

With effect from 1 May 2004, employers will only be able to obtain a statutory defence against conviction for employing an illegal worker if they have checked and copied specific original documents belonging to the employee.

Employers must also ensure that their recruitment practices do not discriminate against individuals on racial grounds.

For further information and guidance, including information on what to do if you employ nationals from the European Economic Area, visit the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website (www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk).

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