Arrests of illegal workers have reached their highest level since records began after London barbershops, delivery drivers and restaurants were targeted in raids.
More than 8,000 migrants were detained in 11,000 immigration enforcement visits across the UK between October 2024 and September 2025, according to Home Office figures.
Some 1,050 people who were arrested have been deported, the Government said as it vowed to close a loophole that means gig economy employers cannot dodge illegal worker fines.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Illegal working creates an incentive for people attempting to arrive in this country illegally. No more.
“Those found to be illegally working in beauty salons, car washes and as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained and removed from this country.
“I will do whatever it takes to secure Britain’s borders.”
Businesses visited during the crackdown included Promen Barbershop in Battersea where three Brazilian nationals were arrested.
London has also seen a significant increase in restaurants in the capital being raided and having their licences reviewed if caught employing staff without proper right to work checks.
There has been a year-on-year increase of 63% in arrests and 51% in Home Office raids as part of a £5million boost to the immigration enforcement under “Operation Sterling”, the government said.
It comes as new laws designed to expand right to work checks are set to be introduced.
Traditional businesses face fines of up to £60,000 per worker if found to be employing someone illegally and could see their businesses closed.
But a loophole means gig economy employers do not face these penalties.
Companies where there are higher levels of illegal migrants seeking work, such as delivery apps, will also face fines under the proposals, the Home Office said.
A six-week consultation on expanded “right to work” requirements will open this week.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris admitted people think it is "too easy" to "melt illegally" into the UK economy but insisted the Government had sent "a really strong signal" with its immigration enforcement raids.
"People think it's too easy to come here, often illegally, and melt illegally into our economy,” he told Sky News on Wednesday.
"That's not right. We've just brought to an end the biggest year in history in terms of immigration enforcement raids.
"We've done 11,000 of those raids... we've sent a really strong signal that if you come to this country and work illegally, you can't."
Ministers have argued that plans to introduce digital ID, announced last month, will also help crackdown on illegal working.
It will become mandatory for proving someone’s right to work before the end of this Parliament.
However, the scheme remains controversial with civil liberties campaigners and opposition MPs suggesting it could be used a government surveillance tool.
The Home Office said the new system will support efforts to disrupt people-smuggling operations and reduce incentives for the record number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
