Director disqualified for employing illegal workers

The director of Indian restaurant Kolkata Foods in Didcot, Oxfordshire, has been disqualified for six years for employing illegal workers and not paying the resulting Home Office fines.

Muhammad Nazrul Haque was disqualified following an investigation by the Insolvency Service which found that he had failed to ensure that relevant immigration checks were completed and documents retained. This resulted in the Home Office issuing a penalty notice for £20,000 for employing two illegal workers.

Kolkata Foods went into liquidation on 12 December 2016 owing creditors in excess of £28,000.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy accepted a disqualification undertaking from Haque effective from 3 November 2017.

Robert Clarke, senior investigator, the Insolvency Service, said: "The Insolvency Service pursues directors who fail to pay fines imposed by the government for breaking employment and immigration laws. We have worked closely in this case with our colleagues at the Home Office to achieve this disqualification.

"The public has a right to expect that those who break the law will face the consequences. If you fail to comply with your obligations then the Insolvency Service will investigate you."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Illegal working is not victimless. It undercuts honest employers, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities and defrauds the taxpayer. Businesses should be aware that they have a duty to check that their staff have permission to work in the UK.

"We are happy to work with employers who play by the rules but those who do not should know that they will not go under our radar."

Restaurant boss banned for seven years for employing illegal workers >>

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