Businesses employing illegal workers are fined

BUSINESSES across the West have been fined almost three-quarters of a million pounds after immigration officials found they were employing people with no right to work in the UK.

- TRISTAN CORK

A total of 13 businesses in Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire were named and shamed in the latest list published by the Home Office.

It covers the investigations, prosecutions and fines in cases that were completed in the final three months of 2024.

Visa and immigration expert Yash Dubal, a director of AY & J Solicitors, warned it was becoming costly to employ illegal workers if they are caught.

"It is becoming increasingly risky for employers to use undocumented workers as the latest government figures show," he said. "In total, businesses in the Bristol area were fined £530,000.

The penalties issued have risen significantly in the past year and many businesses have been forced to close as a result of the increased penalties, which are now up to £60,000 per worker."