Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeThe Home Office is investigating reports that migrants are buying fake jobs to remain in the UK. The newspaper said it spoke with 26 agents and uncovered 250 examples of fake jobs being used to back up skilled worker visas. Skilled worker refusal rates have increased substantially under this government and we’ve seen over 100,000 fewer visa applications in 2025. The number of people applying for a skilled worker visa stood at 85,500, down 36% year on year from 132,700.

Source: The Times January 27, 2026 23:45 UTC