Contractors warned over new rules on illegal workers
Summary
The article reports that the Home Office is tightening right-to-work rules, with draft guidance set to expand liability beyond direct employers to firms higher up the contractual chain from 1 October 2026. Construction businesses are being urged to review due diligence, subcontractor oversight and contract arrangements now, as the sector’s reliance on layered labour supply chains increases exposure to penalties.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors working on construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects may be affected where contractors, subcontractors or agency labour are used on site. The changes increase the importance of checking that right-to-work processes are robust throughout the supply chain to reduce legal and commercial risk.
Key points
- Draft Home Office guidance would widen liability for illegal working up the supply chain.
- Firms higher up the chain could face civil penalties if due diligence is not carried out.
- Construction is highlighted as especially exposed because of subcontracting and agency labour.
- Home Office data cited £545,000 in fines for nine construction firms in the latest quarter reported.
- Businesses are being advised to review right-to-work arrangements and commercial contracts ahead of 1 October 2026.
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