For subsection (2) (defence) substitute—

“(2)

It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that before the employment began any relevant requirement of an order of the Secretary of State under subsection (2A) was complied with.

(2A)

An order under this subsection may—

(a)

require the production to an employer of a document of a specified description;

(b)

require the production to an employer of one document of each of a number of specified descriptions;

(c)

require an employer to take specified steps to retain, copy or record the content of a document produced to him in accordance with the order;

(d)

make provision which applies generally or only in specified circumstances;

(e)

make different provision for different circumstances.”

After subsection (6) insert—

“(6A)

Where an offence under this section is committed by a partnership (other than a limited partnership) each partner shall be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(6B)

Subsection (5) shall have effect in relation to a limited partnership as if—

(a)

a reference to a body corporate were a reference to a limited partnership, and

(b)

a reference to an officer of the body were a reference to a partner.”

At the end of the section add—

“(9)

Section 28(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 (c. 77) (extended time limit for prosecution) shall apply in relation to an offence under this section.

(10)

An offence under this section shall be treated as—

(a)

a relevant offence for the purpose of sections 28B and 28D of that Act (search, entry and arrest), and

(b)

an offence under Part III of that Act (criminal proceedings) for the purposes of sections 28E, 28G and 28H (search after arrest).”