A restaurant's licence has been revoked after an operation which found five illegal workers.

The Benfleet Tandoori Indian Restaurant, High St, South Benfleet, was visited on Thursday June 8 by Immigration Enforcement officers and officers from Essex Police.

Officers found five men from Bangladesh working either as waiters or kitchen staff. 

Authorities received intelligence that there were illegal workers likely to be working at the restaurant.

At the hearing on Wednesday August 3, the panel heard that the licensee had not carried out right to work checks and as a result, the restaurant’s licence was revoked by the Castle Point Licensing Committee.

Three men were escorted from the premises by immigration officers.  Another two men were arrested under the Immigration Act 1971 as they had no permission to be in the UK.

Essex Police county licensing officer, Stephen Sparrow, presented the case at the hearing. He commented:

“I hope the message is clear. If licensees employ illegal workers, the consequences can be very serious.

“Right to work checks must be carried out if employing foreign nationals. If in doubt check with your local licensing officer or visit the government’s website which gives very clear guidance on right to work checks.

“We work closely with Immigration Enforcement in Essex and are building ever stronger links with our colleagues in neighbouring county forces too.”

One voluntarily departed while another is held in immigration detention, waitng for his removal from the country.

Anyone who wishes to inform police or immigration officials of concerns relating to the welfare of illegal workers, should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Immigration Hotline on 0300 123 7000 or online at gov.uk/report-immigration-crime.