A director of a restaurant in Taunton has been barred for six years for employing illegal workers.
From 16th December 2016, the director cannot, either directly or indirectly, be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company for six years.
Last year, Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officers discovered that that the director was employing two workers who were not eligible to work in the UK and subsequently issued a fine of £30,000. This May, the company went into liquidation, owing £45,000 to creditors (£30,000 of which is the fine).
Warning to employers
Catherine Wilson, Director of Legal Services at Ellis Whittam, said “Employers can no longer ignore their obligations in this high profile area. It is clear that any non-compliance will be treated severely with financial and personal risk to both the business generally and the owner/director.”
The government is cracking down on employers who are hiring illegal workers. Since July 2016, an employer who knowingly hires or has reasonable cause to believe an employee is working illegally is committing an offence. You could face up to five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
If you do not conduct ‘Right to Work checks’ or do not do them in the correct way, you may face having to pay up to £20,000 for each illegal worker found working for you.
Do not fall foul of the law – read our guidance on how to carry out a right to work check and contact your Employment Law Adviser for tailored advice and support.
