Chippy in Stanley, County Durham, fined for employing illegal workers

Jes Fast Fry Ltd, linked to Fast Fry on Hollyhill Gardens, Stanley, appeared on the government’s Home Office website as part of its quarterly round-up of firms that have been issued penalty notices.

The takeaway, which serves fish and chips, burgers, wraps and kebabs, is one of eight North East businesses named on the list, which details penalties issued between July and September last year.

According to the report, the business was found to be employing workers who either had no permission to work in the UK or were in breach of visa restrictions.

The Northern Echo contacted Jes Fast Fry Ltd for comment.

Employers can face unlimited fines and up to five years in prison if they fail to carry out proper identity and right-to-work checks.

The report lists fines given to employers who have not paid or are not making regular payments towards a penalty 28 days after they have exhausted all their objection and/or appeal rights, or employers who have been served with a second or further penalty once they have exhausted all their objection and/or appeal rights, regardless of whether any payment has been made.