In a decisive move underscoring the government’s continued focus on tackling illegal working, nine UK contractors have been issued a combined £950,000 in penalties between April and June 2025. The latest Home Office quarterly report provides a stark reminder to employers across the construction sector: compliance with right-to-work requirements remains a non-negotiable responsibility.
The Workers Union places the welfare, safety, and rights of UK workers at the forefront of every discussion, and this latest data highlights the ongoing need for strong oversight and ethical employment practices – particularly in industries where vulnerable individuals may be exposed to exploitation.
According to the report, one of the largest fines issued was to London-based Sam Construct Ltd. Its director, Samuel Buga, was handed a £200,000 penalty for activity identified on an unnamed construction site, alongside a separate fine of £180,000 for another incident. Companies House records confirm that Sam Construct Ltd entered liquidation, with a court winding-up notice issued on 26 June 2025 – marking a sharp fall for a firm already under scrutiny.
Illegal working civil penalties for UK employers publication
included:
- Shengcai Ltd of Stratford, fined £180,000
- MS Roofers in Devon, fined £135,000
- Two companies penalised for employing illegal workers at Vidi Construction sites
- West One Construction Ltd, London – £90,000
- Daniel Tzipi Ltd, Kent – £40,000
- First Choice Roofing & Guttering Ltd, London – £45,000
- Ideal (UK) Construction Ltd and Matrix Construction Limited, both Middlesex – £40,000 each
These figures follow previously released Home Office data showing that six contractors were fined a total of £415,000 between January and March 2025. The continued rise demonstrates intensified monitoring and immigration enforcement, reflecting concerns about employment malpractice and wider exploitation risks.
The issue intersects with troubling findings from Unseen, an antislavery charity whose 2024 data identified 492 potential victims of modern slavery within the construction sector. This represents the second-highest risk level of all sectors monitored, raising serious questions about worker protection, recruitment practices, and vulnerability to coercive labour.
For UK workers, especially those in fast-moving and labour-intensive roles, this immigration enforcement action reinforces the need for transparent and lawful workplace practices. Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that individuals over 16 who are subject to immigration control have the appropriate right to work. Where employers knowingly, or with “reasonable cause to believe,” overlook this duty, penalties can escalate to unlimited fines and up to five years in prison.
As part of its commitment to supporting working people, we continue to advocate for secure, legitimate employment opportunities and stronger safeguards to protect those at risk of exploitation. Ethical employment is not only a legal responsibility—it is essential for ensuring safe conditions, fair treatment, and a level playing field for UK workers.
As quarterly enforcement updates continue to highlight deficiencies across the sector, employers are encouraged to strengthen their compliance processes now, reducing the risk of penalties and contributing to a safer labour market. Meanwhile, workers who feel uneasy about practices at their workplace should feel empowered to seek guidance and support from trusted organisations dedicated to upholding safety and fairness across the UK workforce.
