Luton restaurant caught employing illegal staff for the second time

A Luton restaurant fined once already for employing illegal workers is facing the prospect of another substantial penalty.

Officers from the UK Border Agency arrested four men at the Grill House in Dunstable Road on Thursday 12 November, after checks revealed they did not have permission to work in the UK.

An 18-year-old illegal entrant, an 18-year-old visa overstayer and a 40-year-old illegal entrant have all been detained, while a 44-year-old illegal entrant was released on immigration bail.

All the men are from Pakistan and steps are being taken to remove them as soon as possible.

The Grill House now faces a potential fine of up to £40,000 unless it can prove that the correct pre-employment checks - such as asking for a passport or other Home Office document - were carried out.

It is the second time the restaurant has faced sanctions from the UK Border Agency having previously been caught with three illegal employees in October last year.

After being given time to produce evidence that right-to-work checks were carried out, the employers were unable to do so and were fined £15,000.

Inspector Rob Tompkins, from the Local Immigration Team, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire (West), said: "Illegal working is not a victimless crime. It undercuts honest employers and has a serious impact on communities, taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work. We are happy to work with businesses to ensure the right checks are done on staff, but those who do break the law will face action."

Words: Clare Riley

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