Three south east London businesses have faced hefty fines after they were found to be employing illegal workers.

The businesses were included in the government's quarterly round-up of companies penalised for employing illegal workers.

According to data from the Home Office, each company has been fined between £10,000 and £15,000 between January 1 to March 31, 2023.

The government has robust rules in place for companies found employing individuals without the right to work in the UK.

The list of south east London businesses are:

• N&J Consults Ltd located at 6 Bailey Close, London, Greater London, SE28 0NW - Fined £15,000

• Norwood Manor Day Nursery Limited, also known as Chapel House Day Nursery, located at 48 Chapel Road, London, Greater London SE27 0UR – Fined £15,000.

• Greek Souvlaki located at 175-177 Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7ES – Fined £10,000

As the official government website, Gov.uk explains, penalties can be severe, including a five-year jail term and unlimited fines if a company is found guilty of knowingly or having “reasonable cause to believe” that an employee lacks right to work.

Such suspicions could arise from reasons including incorrect or false papers or the worker not having leave or permission to enter or reside in the UK, or their leave having expired.