Home Secretary Threatens To Disqualify Bosses For Hiring Illegal Immigrants

by JAMIE BUCHAN, Press & Journal

08:50 - 17 July 2006

The Home Office came under fire last night after it emerged company directors who employ illegal immigrants could face being struck off as part of a major package of reforms.

Home Secretary John Reid is considering disqualifying bosses whose firms give work to the estimated 570,000 foreigners living illegally in the UK.

Under a "two strikes and you're out" rule, those caught breaking the law after an earlier warning could be struck off.

Mr Reid will this week announce a package of reforms for the Home Office, which he branded "not fit for purpose" when he took over from Charles Clarke in May.

One Scots politician accused the minister of passing the buck last night.

North-east MSP Stewart Stevenson said: "If there is someone who should be brought to task for mismanaging his organisation it is John Reid himself.

"He is the one responsible for the faults in the system and he shouldn't go trying to blame company directors who, in many cases, find it extremely hard to determine the legality of their potential employees."

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for the full article see the Press & Journal edition of 17th July 2006 at:

http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk