[holding answer 3 April 2008]: The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) carries out regular enforcement operations in the care home sector and has been building an intelligence picture on illegal employment in care homes based on regional and national reports. UKBA records show that over the last two years the agency has made 120 intelligence led visits and arrested 112 suspected illegal immigrants.
The data provided are management information. They may be subject to change and do not represent published national statistics.
The agency is working with the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate, Criminal Records Bureau and Department of Health to develop an action plan that will enable us to provide additional support to those seeking help in ensuring they only employ those with a right to work and allow us to take effective targeted enforcement and prosecution activity whilst ensuring those in receipt of care are not placed at risk. Further details will be published in due course.