More than three-quarters of civil penalties issued to UK employers for hiring illegal workers went unpaid between 2021/22 and 2025/26, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request. The shortfall has prompted criticism that the Home Office’s increased enforcement activity is failing to create an effective deterrent, despite ministers describing enforcement as being at a historic high.

Immigration Enforcement issued £288.6 million in fines but collected only £66.4 million, leaving £222.2 million outstanding. Fines issued in 2025/26 reached £121.7 million, up sharply from £6.1 million in 2021/22, while individual penalties can reach £45,000 for a first offence and £60,000 for repeat offences; officials said discounts, appeals and reduced penalties partly explain the gap and that they pursue debt recovery.