VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Undocumented Workers: Fylde

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 3 June 2026UIN 3594

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of illegal working in high street businesses in Fylde constituency.

Answered by Alex Norris

Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime.

This government is determined to clamp down on this illegal activity in every sector. All enforcement activity is intelligence‑led, ensuring action is targeted at the highest risk sectors and businesses.

The Home Office does not publish constituency level assessments, including for Fylde, but monitors trends nationally and regionally.

In October 2025, Operation MACHINIZE 2, a multi‑agency operation targeting the criminal exploitation of high street businesses, resulted in over 900 arrests, alongside referral notices for illegal working and significant seizures of criminal proceeds and illicit goods.

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