A shop in Oxfordshire was discovered to have taken on an Indian employee without valid immigration documentation, paying her just £6 per hour.
Officials from Immigration Enforcement examined Rai Convenience Store on Main Road in Middleton Cheney near Banbury after receiving an anonymous report. The business also runs under the trading name Sanderz News & Convenience Store.
Middleton Cheney is characterised as a large village located in West Northamptonshire, roughly three miles to the east of Banbury, close to the Oxfordshire border and junction 11 of the M40.
According to Home Office documentation published by West Northamptonshire Council, during interview the illegal worker confirmed she had been working at the establishment for approximately three to four years prior.
The paperwork indicated that she normally worked no more than four days each week, for three to four hours daily, carrying out shelf stocking responsibilities.
Immigration checks showed the Indian citizen entered Britain on a student visa covering September 2009 to February 2012.
The woman submitted several applications to extend her stay, but every application was rejected, the records show.
The Home Office confirmed that one illegal worker was located on site, and both the worker and manager admitted she had been working there. Evidence suggested that everyone concerned understood the Indian woman’s immigration situation and recognised she had no right to employment in the UK. Whether this arose from negligence or knowing disregard, illegal workers were carrying out activities on the premises, though employers can readily establish which check documents they need to review before taking someone on. Working whilst disqualified represents a criminal offence, and such breaches can only happen with involvement from the premises licence holder or their representatives. Taking on a worker while aware they are present in the country unlawfully also constitutes an offence. All enterprises are legally obliged to carry out these checking procedures, with guidance available on the gov.uk website or through online search.
Sanderz Convenience Shop (Image: Google)
Sanderz Ltd, operating as Sanderz News & Convenience Store, was subsequently fined £45,000 for employing the unauthorized worker.
A current submission with Companies House indicates a proposal to wind up the registered company.
Immigration Enforcement approached the district council seeking withdrawal of the store’s premises licence.
Nevertheless, the Banbury Guardian reported the previous year that Rai Convenience Store, also operating as Sanderz News & Convenience Store, gave up its licence to the council voluntarily.
British businesses face severe repercussions for engaging individuals without lawful work permission, with financial penalties reaching up to £45,000 per illegal worker for first offences and as much as £60,000 for subsequent breaches as of February 2024.
Companies may also be subject to public naming, licence cancellation, and criminal prosecution potentially leading to jail terms.