A Surrey fish and chip shop owner has been left in shock after being fined £40,000 for allegedly hiring someone who used fake identity papers. The case is a strong reminder that small employers must carry out right to work checks or risk huge fines. He was probably feeling a bit battered!
🐟 What Happened?
Mark Sullivan runs Big Fry Fish & Chips. He hired a worker who gave him lots of documents, including a National Insurance number, student loan letters, housing benefit papers and a photocopy of a British passport.
It all looked official. But when immigration officers raided the shop, they found the worker had used someone else’s identity. Because Sullivan had not checked the original passport, the Home Office said he had failed his duty as an employer.
💸 The £40,000 Fine
The penalty started at £45,000. Because Sullivan co-operated, it was reduced by £5,000. Paying quickly brought it down further to £28,000. If he had appealed, the fine could have doubled to £80,000, forcing him to close the business.
Sullivan paid but called the fine “devastating.” He says one clerical mistake should not destroy a small business.
⚖️ Why This Matters for Small Employers
Since July 2023, fines for hiring someone without the right to work have risen sharply, up to £45,000 for each illegal worker. The government has stepped up enforcement. Small shops, cafes and takeaways are often hardest hit because they do not have HR teams or lawyers.
✅ 10 Steps to Avoid Illegal Worker Fines
Here is a simple checklist that every small employer should follow. First of all, take these steps seriously, they could save your business.
- See original ID documents in person.
To begin with, never accept scans or photocopies. Always check the photo and make sure it matches the person in front of you. - Use the official document list.
Next, only accept ID from the Home Office checklist – such as a British or Irish passport, or a biometric residence permit. - Take clear copies and date them.
After that, write “Right to work check – 2025” on the copy and store it securely. - Use the online check for digital status.
In addition, some workers have an immigration “share code.” Verify it using the official site:
gov.uk/view-right-to-work. - Watch for fake documents.
However, if something looks wrong, spelling mistakes, blurred text or odd fonts, don’t ignore it. Call the Home Office Employer Checking Service. - Re-check visas before they expire.
Similarly, if the worker has time-limited permission, set a reminder to check again before the expiry date. - Train anyone who hires staff.
Moreover, even if it’s only you or a manager, make sure both of you know how to check documents correctly. - Think about using an ID check service.
Another option is to use certified digital providers (IDSPs) that can verify UK and Irish passports quickly and safely. - Keep your records for two years after staff leave.
In the same way, keeping records for the right period helps protect you if your business is audited later. - Act fast if you find a problem.
Finally, if you find out someone is not who they claim to be, report it right away. Co-operating can reduce any fine.
📌 Key Takeaway for Business Owners
In conclusion, small business owners like Mark Sullivan wear many hats, cooking, cleaning, and hiring. But skipping one document check can now cost tens of thousands of pounds. Following these 10 right-to-work steps is simple, protects your business, and could save you from a devastating fine.
