A Hedon takeaway has been handed a large fine for hiring illegal migrant workers.
Hedon Pizza, in Market Place, was among a number of businesses across the whole of Yorkshire, the North East and the Humber hit with five-figure fines.
It follows Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s announcement last month that the new Labour government would crack down on unscrupulous employers hiring migrants illegally and exploiting vulnerable people.
During an intensive week of action into illegal working from Sunday, August 18, to Saturday, August 24, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out targeted visits to businesses across the UK suspected of employing illegal workers, with a focus on car washes.
Ms Cooper said: “It is completely wrong that dodgy employers can work hand- in-glove with the smuggling gangs who risk people’s lives to bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books employment. These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance.
“We are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we have launched crackdowns such as this.
“While this operation marks an important step forward, our commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure those who break the rules face the full force of the law.”
Unscrupulous employers are potentially liable to substantial financial penalties. The maximum civil penalty for employing illegal workers is £45,000 per worker for a first offence and £60,000 per worker for repeat violations.
Hedon Pizza Ltd, which was fined £30,000, is registered in Doncaster. In February this year there was an application to strike off the company, and later the same month the voluntary strike-off action was suspended.
The Gazette has contacted Hedon Pizza for comment.
