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Restaurants

Restaurant at Risk of Losing License After Discovery of Illicit Workers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A restaurant in Darlington has been facing severe penalties after immigration officers uncovered four illicit workers, with the business being slapped with a £90,000 fine in June 2024. The Oak Tree, which has not yet paid the fine, is now under threat of losing its license due to its non-compliance with immigration laws. The situation has led to a critical review of the restaurant's operations, including allegations of exploitation of workers and failure to uphold the national minimum wage. The incident has sparked a response from the business's owners, who have apologized and claimed that they had not intentionally sought to exploit workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oak Tree, a restaurant in Darlington, has been fined £90,000 after four illicit workers were discovered by immigration officers in December 2024.
  • Three of the workers did not hold the right to work in the UK, while the fourth was found to be working in breach of conditions.
  • The restaurant's owner, Ms Ersim Aydi, has apologized for any distress caused and claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are no longer working illegally.
  • An investigation found that two of the workers had entered the UK illegally through small boats, and concerns were raised about low wages and the supplementation of free food and accommodation.
  • Worker A was paid £300 in cash per week, equating to £7.14 per hour, well below the national minimum wage of £11.44 at the time.
  • The restaurant's manager claimed that right to work checks had not been conducted, and the business has been accused of exploiting workers.
  • Operator Punch Pubs has stated that it takes matters like this extremely seriously and is seeking advice to ensure the appropriate action is taken.

Statistics:

  • Four illicit workers were identified at The Oak Tree.
  • Three workers did not hold the right to work in the UK.
  • One worker was found to be working in breach of conditions.
  • Two workers had entered the UK illegally through small boats.
  • Worker A was paid £300 in cash per week.
  • The national minimum wage at the time was £11.44.
  • The restaurant has been fined £90,000.

Sources:

  • [BBC News, "Restaurant at risk of losing license after discovery of illicit workers"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england)
  • [Darlington and Stockton Times, "Restaurant at risk of losing license after discovery of illicit workers"](https://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news)
  • [Punch Pubs and Co., "Statement on The Oak Tree Inn"](https://punchpubs.com/statement-on-the-oak-tree-inn)

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