A recent case involving a small fish and chip shop in Surrey has highlighted the potentially costly consequences of breaching immigration laws – however unintentionally.
In March 2025, Big Fry Fish & Chips was hit with a £40,000 civil penalty by the Home Office after employing an individual who allegedly used forged identity documents. Despite the employee presenting seemingly legitimate documentation – including a National Insurance number, student loan records, and a photocopy of a British passport – the business was fined for failing to check the original passport.
A costly mistake
The shop’s owner, Mark Sullivan, described the situation as a “clerical error” and stressed there was no intent to employ someone illegally. Nonetheless, the Home Office ruled that the documentation provided was insufficient to prove the right to work in the UK.
With no right to appeal and the threat of an even larger fine if unpaid, Sullivan was forced to settle £28,000 within 21 days.
Enforcement is ramping up
This case is not isolated. Since the maximum fine for illegal employment incrased from £15,000 to £45,000 per worker in 2024, the Home Office has stepped up enforcement action.
Between July 2024 to March 2025, over 1,500 civil penalty notices were issued to UK employers. And for repeat offences within three years, the penalties climb to a maximum of £60,000 per illegal worker – regardless of a company’s size.
No business is too small to be affected
While Big Fry Fish & Chips is a small, local business, it’s a clear example that size doesn’t offer protection. The legal obligations and risks around immigration compliance apply to all employers, regardless of sector or size.
Why right to work checks matter more than ever
This case underlines why it’s so important for employers to carry out correct right to work checks. Navigating immigration compliance is complex, and the cost of getting it wrong is high. Even well-meaning employers can fall foul of the law due to genuine administrative mistakes.
How legal advice can protect your business
Getting professional immigration law advice is not just advisable – it’s essential.
Legal experts can help businesses:
- Understand and implement correct right-to-work checks
- Stay up to date with changing immigration regulations
- Use digital identity verification tools effectively
- Document compliance steps to protect against liability
In an era of heightened enforcement, investing in legal support could mean the difference between staying in business – or facing a hefty fine that could result in closure.
