US Edition 
Illegal immigrants working in UK face six months in prison, ministers announce
The Government will unveil plans to jail illegal workers and launch a new crackdown on companies hiring immigrants with no right to be here
Illegal immigrants will face six months in jail if they come to work in the UK and late-night takeaways and taxi firms will be closed if they employ them, ministers will announce.
Ahead of net migration figures on Thursday that are expected to show a record number of foreigners are coming to the UK, the Government will unveil its latest crackdown on illegal foreign workers.
As part of the plans drawn up in the wake of the Calais immigration crisis, the Government will create a new offence of illegal working which will come with a prison sentence of up to six months as well as an unlimited fine.
The authorities will also be able to seize wages as “proceeds of crime”.
It means that instead of being taken to detention centres, illegal migrants will be processed through the courts before being taken to jail.
Ministers believe it will act as a deterrent and prevent thousands of migrants attempting to gain access to the UK from European ports including Calais.
As part of the new measures, off-licences, curry houses, Chinese restaurants and other takeaway firms will face closure if they are found to be employing illegal workers.
The Government will also consider extending these powers to cover minicab firms, the Home Office said.
Trains were held up by an hour after the migrants went on to the track in the area around Frethun station.
Mr Brokenshire said: “Anyone who thinks the UK is a soft touch should be in no doubt – if you are here illegally, we will take action to stop you from working, renting a flat, opening a bank account or driving a car.”
He added: “Through our new Immigration Bill, illegal workers will face the prospect of a prison term and rogue employers could have their businesses closed, have their licences removed, or face prosecution if they continue to flout the law.”
The decision to impose prison sentences on illegal immigrants is a major shift in Government policy and shows the level of concern in Downing Street about the influx of foreigners coming to the UK.
In the weeks after the general election, David Cameron vowed to make the UK a “less attractive place to come and work”.
He announced plans to allow the police to seize wages from foreign workers and said that they would face deportation without appeal if they are in the UK illegally.
However, he made no mention of potential prison sentences.
It is thought that the migrant crisis in southern Europe and well as the increasing numbers of foreigners attempting to reach the UK from Calais have forced ministers to intensify the planned crackdown.
Under the new rules, any employer suspected of flouting immigration laws could see their business closed for up to 48 hours while they prove right to work checks have been conducted on staff.
The worst offenders would then be placed under special measures and could face long-term closure.
The Home Office said that any pub, off-licence or late-night takeaway that fails to comply with immigration laws or employs illegal workers could also be stripped of their licence to operate.