Immigration Enforcement officers carried out co-ordinated operations at DPD distribution centres in Basingstoke and Newbury on 12 June, arresting nine workers suspected of using false documentation. The dawn raids were part of the Home Secretary’s “illegal-working blitz” launched in April to remove incentives for irregular migration. Officials said biometric checks revealed multiple identities linked to stolen or counterfeit EU passports. Those detained face removal from the UK, while DPD may receive civil penalties of up to £60,000 if found to have breached right-to-work rules. The parcel-delivery giant stated it conducts “robust” checks through the Home Office Employer Checking Service and will cooperate fully with investigators. The logistics sector—already battling acute driver shortages—has seen a 28 per cent rise in compliance inspections this quarter as ministers seek to demonstrate results ahead of the summer recess. Industry bodies warn that unannounced enforcement action can disrupt just-in-time supply chains and urged the government to expand legal migration pathways such as the Temporary Work (Driver) visa. For HR teams, the case underscores the importance of using IDVT-certified technology for remote document checks and retaining audit trails for at least two years after employment ends, as required under the latest Code of Practice. Businesses found employing illegal workers not only face fines but risk losing their sponsor licences—jeopardising their ability to hire skilled staff from overseas. A Home Office spokesperson said more raids are planned in the coming weeks, focusing on warehousing, hospitality and social care.
Source: ITV News Meridian
