Four restaurants fined for employing illegal workers in north-east England

A total of £380,000 in fines levied against four establishments for hiring undocumented workers.

In a significant crackdown on illegal employment practices, four restaurants and takeaways in the north-east of England have been fined a staggering total of £380,000 for employing undocumented workers. The Home Office has recently disclosed the names of these businesses, which include three establishments in Aberdeen and one in Methlick.

This enforcement action highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal working and ensure compliance with immigration laws.

Details of the fines

The fines relate to employment activities that occurred between April 1 and June 30, 2024. Among the penalized establishments, Seoul, located at the top of Crown Street in Aberdeen, has been ordered to pay the highest fine of £120,000.

This penalty places Seoul among the top five businesses in the UK that faced substantial fines during this period, underscoring the severity of the violation.

Other establishments facing hefty penalties include the Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant in Bridge of Don, which has been fined £90,000, and Fu Cheng in Methlick, also incurring a £90,000 penalty. Additionally, Blue Spice Takeaway at 222 George Street has been fined £80,000. The liable parties for these fines have been identified as Crown Street Korean Ltd., Golden Palace 238 Limited, Fu Cheng Chinese Limited, and BWP Aberdeen Ltd., respectively.

Increased penalties for illegal employment

The recent penalties reflect a significant increase in the fines imposed for employing illegal workers, which have tripled since February of this year. Businesses can now face fines ranging from £15,000 to £45,000 for a first-time offense, while repeat offenders may incur fines between £20,000 and £60,000 per undocumented worker. This shift in policy indicates a more aggressive stance by the government towards businesses that fail to comply with immigration regulations.

In response to inquiries from The Press and Journal, representatives from the fined establishments expressed varying degrees of awareness regarding the penalties. The management at Seoul claimed ignorance of the fine, stating they had only begun leasing the restaurant on November 1. Similarly, Blue Spice management suggested that the fine was incurred by a previous owner. Meanwhile, Golden Palace declined to comment, and Fu Cheng did not respond to outreach attempts.

Expert insights on compliance

Yash Dubal, director of A Y and J Solicitors, a firm specializing in visa and immigration law, emphasized the importance of vigilance for businesses employing overseas workers. He stated, “These figures show the cost to businesses when they do get it wrong. An employer has a responsibility to ensure that workers are legally allowed to work. Ignorance is not a defense, and if you cannot demonstrate that you have made the necessary checks, you could be facing a significant fine.”

Dubal further noted that the government shows no signs of softening its stance against undocumented workers, and the increased fines could potentially drive some companies out of business. This situation serves as a stark reminder for all businesses to prioritize compliance with employment laws to avoid severe financial repercussions.