Illegal workers

Following the introduction of new illegal worker legislation in February, companies face being hit with a £10,000 fine or possible prison term for each illegal worker they unwittingly hire. We asked our poll of salon owners if they think employers in the hairdressing industry require more information regarding employment verification checks to confirm whether job candidates have the right to work in the UK. 95% felt that addition information was definitely required by employers.

In the know

"If the penalties are going to be so severe then all industries, not just hairdressing, need more information about this–maybe a national awareness campaign is needed."

Sharon Peake, Ethos Hairdressing, Manchester 

Information is power

"There is an awful lot of legislation these days which can result in an employer making innocent mistakes. Although it is important to try to be savvy about these things, it would make sense to be specifically informed about what constitutes an ‘illegal worker’ in all senses of the word."

Frances Urwin, Fontlinestyle, Wells

Taking precautions

"It is a criminal offence to ‘knowingly’ employ an illegal worker and salon owners should take precautions to ensure they don’t fall foul of this new legislation. One should establish that every potential employee has a right to work in the UK & verify their country of origin including keeping a copy of relevant pages of a foreign nationals passport on file to demonstrate due diligence. There is no excuse for not checking the credentials of those applying for a job. The key to shutting down illegal immigration is to shut down illegal jobs."

Tito Nath, Michael Barnes Hairdressing, London

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