Lewisham businesses exposed for employing illegal workers.

Several Lewisham firms have been publicly identified and fined for hiring employees who are not legally permitted to work in the UK.

The government’s most recent quarterly report, which tracks enforcement action against unlawful workers, was last updated on October 13 and covers the period from January 1 to March 31.

The list found that T & E Catering Ltd, located at 161 Lewisham High Street, was fined £45,000. Aloosh Grill Ltd, at 397 New Cross Road, received a £40,000 fine, while Glory Supermarket Ltd, at 1 Ringstead Road, was fined £45,000.

Catford Food Centre Ltd, on Catford Road, and Top Butcher & Fresh Fish Ltd, at 48-50 Deptford High Street, were both fined £80,000.

The five businesses incurred penalties totalling £290,000. These fines are part of the government’s larger attempt to ensure that firms follow immigration regulations and only hire workers with the right to work in the UK.

Employers who recruit someone without the legal right to work may face harsh sanctions, including up to five years in prison or an unlimited punishment.

This applies when employers knew or had reasonable grounds to assume that a worker did not have permission to enter or remain in the UK, had expired leave, was not permitted to perform specific sorts of employment, or submitted false or erroneous documentation.

Businesses are also responsible if they fail to conduct the necessary right-to-work checks before hiring employees.

The fines imposed on these Lewisham firms emphasise the necessity of complying with employment regulations and act as a warning to other businesses in the area.

The government encourages the public to report suspected illegal work, which can be done anonymously by calling the Immigration Enforcement hotline at 0300 123 7000.

The Home Office’s goal in exposing and penalising firms who break the law is to defend workers’ rights, maintain fair competition, and guarantee that legitimate employment practices are followed throughout the UK.

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