East London, UK – Twenty businesses across East London have been fined by the UK government after being found employing individuals who did not have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
The penalties stem from enforcement inspections carried out between 1 October and 31 December last year. The latest enforcement figures were published on 18 June as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal working and strengthen compliance with UK immigration laws.
Under UK regulations, all employers are legally required to complete right-to-work checks before hiring staff. Businesses that fail to meet these obligations may face significant financial penalties and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
Businesses Fined by Borough
Havering
Four businesses in Havering received civil penalties:
- Masvd Construction, London Road, Romford – £45,000
- Yogi News and Off License, Mungo Park Road, Rainham – £40,000
- White Rose Restaurant, Station Lane, Hornchurch – £10,000
- Red Contractors, High Street, Hornchurch – £45,000
Barking and Dagenham
- Jay Food and Wine, Broad Street, Dagenham – £40,000
Redbridge
Six businesses were fined:
- Star Fruit & Veg, High Road – £40,000
- HFC Express, High Road – £40,000
- Quality Appliances, Green Lane – £40,000
- A & TK9 Services Limited, Uphall Road – £45,000
- Nawal Pure Mithai, High Street – £80,000
- M A Builders London Ltd, New North Road – £120,000
Newham
- Thattukada Restaurant, High Street North – £31,000
Tower Hamlets
Seven businesses were issued penalties:
- Lahore One Restaurant, Commercial Road – £135,000 (largest fine)
- Mr Wong’s Wok and Box, Mile End Road – £120,000
- Iroiro Ltd, Alie Street – £45,000
- Hello Bubbles, Market Way – £45,000
- Khan’s Clothing, Vesey Path – £40,000
- S.T. Manage Limited, Greatorex Street – £40,000
- TGF Pizza, Midlothian Road – £15,000
Waltham Forest
- QWH Drylining Ltd, The Avenue – £40,000
Government Reiterates Employer Responsibilities
The government has emphasised that employers are responsible for verifying every employee’s legal right to work in the UK before employment begins. Right-to-work checks are a mandatory legal requirement and are designed to prevent illegal working.
Businesses that knowingly employ individuals without permission to work in the UK may face severe consequences, including unlimited fines, prison sentences of up to five years, and substantial civil penalties for failing to carry out the required employment checks.
The latest enforcement action highlights the government’s continued commitment to ensuring employers comply with immigration laws and maintaining the integrity of the UK’s labour market.
Written by: LIIE IMMIGRATION
