The details of UK employers that have been fined under the immigration legislation have been published on a government website.
Following the introduction of legislation in February that imposed fines and even a prison sentence for employing illegal workers, the Home Office today revealed the names of 35 businesses which have flouted the law.
The majority are small, fast food companies with the fines dished out ranging from £5,000 to £22,500. The highest penalties were placed on two businesses – Besmullah Car Wash in Newcastle and USA Nails in Leicester – both of which employed three individuals not entitled to work in the UK.
In total, the companies have been fined £303,000 for employing 56 illegal workers.
Ministers said the ‘naming and shaming’ of those who hire workers without the correct documentation is part of its ‘Enforcing the Deal’ reforms.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith announced that from July the most serious business offenders will be targeted jointly by the UK Border Agency and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in a new intelligence sharing partnership.
New local immigration teams will also be introduced across the UK with watch-lists of immigration offenders shared with the Department of Work and Pensions, HMRC and private sector fraud prevention agency CIFAS.
“When newcomers come here they enter into a deal with the UK – to work hard, play by the rules and earn their right to stay,” Smith said. “These changes will ensure our frontline officers can continue to implement these reforms and meet the tough targets we have set the UK Border Agency.”
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