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Immigration minister resigns over hiring illegal worker (10 February 2014)

Date: 10/02/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Immigration minister resigns over hiring illegal worker

Conservative Immigration Minister Mark Harper has resigned after it was revealed he had hired a cleaner who did not have the right to work in the UK.

It is thought, however, that Mr Harper was not aware of his cleaner’s employment status in the UK at the time she was employed.

A spokesman for Downing Street said in a statement:
"Mark Harper offered his resignation after he was informed that his cleaner did not have indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, despite having shown him documents claiming she did.

"He immediately notified the Prime Minister, who accepted his resignation with regret.

"There is no suggestion that Mr Harper knowingly employed an illegal immigrant.”

In his resignation letter, Mr Harper said he believed he had not broken the law – but conceded he should have checked the employment status of the cleaner he employed “more carefully”.

It is reported that the cleaner was employed in 2007 to clean Mr Harper’s London flat, but the documents she submitted as proof of her right to work in the UK may have been false. The documents included a copy of a passport and a letter from the Home Office giving clearance to work in the UK.

The truth was discovered recently after Mr Harper carried out further checks, as at the time he was working on the Immigration Bill and was warning UK employers to make sure they carried out full and proper checks on the employment status of employees.

The Prime Minister said that in resigning, Mr Harper had taken an “honourable decision”.

Home Secretary Theresa May praised Mr Harper’s contribution as immigration minister.

“I am extremely sorry to lose him from the Home Office, but I am confident that he will be able to bring his considerable talents to government as a minister again in future.

“He has been a first-rate colleague and his decision reflects his loyal commitment to the Conservative Party, the government and the Prime Minister.”

Mr Harper said:

“Under the circumstances, I have therefore decided that the right course is for me to return to the backbenches. I am sorry for any embarrassment caused.”

After Mr Harper’s resignation, James Brokenshire MP was appointed immigration minister in his place.

Labour Shadow Immigration Minister David Hanson said that he understood why Mr Harper had felt the need to resign, as the Immigration Bill will introduce strict requirements for employers and landlords to check the immigration status of potential employees and tenants.

Labour is in favour of a pilot scheme for landlords as well as an immigration helpline for employers.

The Lords are due to debate amendments tabled by the Labour Party regarding the checks which landlords will be required to make on potential tenants under the new legislation.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s leading immigration solicitors and can advise on right t work in the UK, citizenship and student visas – as well as illegal entry to the UK and detention.

Duncan Lewis is also one of the UK’s leading firms of Legal Aid solicitors.

For expert help with immigration law including right to work in the UK and asylum, contact Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

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