Takeaway director disqualified for six years after employing illegal workers

Masum Ahmed, director of India Gate restaurant, Chichester, has been disqualified for six years for failing to comply with immigration law.

India Gate was the trading name of Chi Spice. On 6 July, the Secretary of State accepted a disqualification undertaking from Ahmed, effective from 27 July 2017, for six years. The disqualification prevents him from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a limited company until July 2023.

Ahmed's disqualification follows an investigation by the Insolvency Service, which found he had failed to comply with statutory obligations under immigration law; specifically that he failed to ensure relevant immigration checks were completed and documents retained, resulting in the employment of an illegal worker and consequently in a penalty notice of £15,000 being issued by the Home Office.

Chi Spice was placed into liquidation on 18 August 2016, with an estimated deficiency to creditors in excess of £55,000.

Robert Clarke, senior investigator, said: "The director sought an unfair advantage over his competitors by employing individuals who did not have the right to work in the UK in breach of his duties as a director. The public has a right to expect that those who break the law will face the consequences."

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."

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