West London restaurant that employed illegal workers and paid one in food is allowed to stay open

"Officials found eight staff members, four of whom were arrested for immigration offences. Three of those arrested had no right to work in the UK, and one had breached their conditions by working. Following an investigation, officers discovered that one employee was not even being paid by the restaurant, instead, he was offered food and work travel expenses as a form of payment."

"Additionally, the other three employees were being paid below minimum wage, with varying rates between 8.30 to 11 an hour, at a time when minimum wage was 11.44 per hour. Immigration officers described this as clear evidence of labour exploitation. The Home Office requested that Ealing Council revoke the license entirely, due to what it described as serious concerns of exploitation and inadequate right to work checks."

"The panel acknowledged the premises license holder's [Mr Ojesh Lal Singh] passion, long service the restaurant had provided to the community and the positive role it played within the Hanwell area, which many residents were able to testify to in the supporting representation. However, the panel noted that the licensing objective of prevention of crime and disorder had not been promoted, and they heard about the evidence of illegal staff and staff exploitation at the premises in December 2024"

Khushi Nepalese Restaurant in Hanwell employed illegal workers and paid one employee with food and travel expenses instead of wages. Immigration enforcement found eight staff, arrested four for immigration offences, three with no right to work and one breaching conditions. Three other employees received pay below the minimum wage, between £8.30 and £11 an hour while the minimum was £11.44. Immigration officers described the findings as clear evidence of labour exploitation. The Home Office asked Ealing Council to revoke the premises licence, but the council imposed a three-month suspension, citing the restaurant's community role despite noting failures to promote prevention of crime and disorder.

Read at www.standard.co.uk