A FORMER illegal immigrant social worker who used fake paperwork to secure a job at Thurrock Council has been struck off from the profession.

David Longe, 52, was found guilty by a professional misconduct panel of dishonesty constituting misconduct, after using counterfeit immigration documents to secure employment at the social services department.

The Health Care Practitioners Council conduct and competence committee heard checks carried out by Comensura, a human resources firm working for the council, in February 2012, raised concerns that the visa in Mr Longe’s passport might not be genuine.

A review of the passport and visa by the Border Agency revealed a number of discrepancies and it was concluded that both the passport and the visa were counterfeit and fraudulently obtained.

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Forged: David Longe, who can now remain in the UK, has been kicked out of social work for using false papers

During cross-examination, Mr Longe admitted that, at the date of obtaining employment, he did not hold indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, and did not have any documentary evidence of his right to work in the UK to show to an employer.

Panel chair Nicola Bastin said: “In the absence of any official documentation to confirm his identity and immigration status, David Longe deliberately and dishonestly used counterfeit documentation to obtain employment. His dishonesty is aggravated by his persistent denial and lack of remorse.”

The Panel decided the most proportionate and appropriate sanction was to strike Mr Longe from the Register.

Mr Longe, who was represented at the hearing, won a Home Office appeal to remain in the UK indefinitely in 2013.