A Turkish restaurant is among six local businesses which have been fined thousands for employing illegal workers. 

According to the Government’s quarterly round-up six local businesses have had penalties issued for use of illegal workers.  

Turkish restaurant Smoque, run by Mezze Dining 2 LTD, on Ringers Road in Bromley, has been fined £30,000. 

East Hill Groceries, on East Hill in Dartford, was fined £10,000. 

Not Only Thursday Ltd, a catering business based on Lansbury Crescent in Dartford, has been fined £15,000. 

Robierfiz Ltd, a freight business based at Talisman Square in Sydenham, was also fined £15,000. 

Josephine Stewart, of Tressillian Road in Brockley, and Emeka Pertus Ukwubiwe, of Chestnut Rise in Plumstead, were each fined £15,000 and £10,000. 

he Home Office releases the data into the public record four times per year, and the latest data relates to the period of October to December 2022.  

According to the Government, there can be severe penalties for employing individuals who do not have the right to work.  

Gov.uk says: "You can be sent to jail for 5 years and pay an unlimited fine if you’re found guilty of employing someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.”  

This includes, for example, if you had any reason to believe that:  

  • They did not have leave (permission) to enter or remain in the UK  
  • Their leave had expired  
  • They were not allowed to do certain types of work  
  • Their papers were incorrect or false