Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2011.

Immigration

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 11 January (WA 433), whether employers need to establish the right of all potential employees to undertake employment by checking their immigration status and ascertaining whether they are subject to immigration control; and what provisions are in force to ensure discriminatory practices such as racial profiling are not followed when requiring from applicants documentation proving a right to work in the United Kingdom.

Answer: The UK Border Agency recommends that document checks are conducted on all prospective employees including British citizens as this provides evidence of an open and transparent recruitment process that does not discriminate against individuals on racial grounds. Guidance documents for employers on preventing illegal working include a code of practice that helps employers to comply with the law on illegal working without discriminating against individuals on the basis of their race. This code of practice—Guidance for Employers on the Avoidance of Unlawful Discrimination in Employment Practice While Seeking to Prevent Illegal Working—is available on the UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/preventingillegalworking.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5960; 724 c112WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: National Insurance
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Immigration
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Employment Migrants Racial discrimination Vetting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk