A Ferryhill restaurant that employed illegal workers will face a licensing review, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar. The future of Bayleaf Authentic Indian will be decided by Durham County Council at a meeting this week.
Immigration officers raided the Main Street premises on November 1 2024 and made several arrests after discovering three people working inside the kitchen area illegally.
The restaurant could lose its alcohol licence after bosses were described as operating irresponsible management practices and a lack of accountability.
Dillu Miah, the former licence holder, was interviewed alongside his brother following the raid, but both denied overseeing employment and “proceeded to point the blame at each other,” a Home Office report stated.
“Hostility was shown towards the officers who attended the premises along with an attempt of deception while answering interview questions.
“It is clear that the license holder failed to conduct mandatory employments checks.”
Other breaches of the licence included no working CCTV and paying staff below minimum wage. One worker said they were paid £40 for working four to five hours, indicating the worker was being paid between £8 – £10 per hour when the national minimum wage at the time of the visit was £11.44.
The Home Office added: “Such practices not only exploit workers but also provide an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that adhere to wage regulations. The payment of below-minimum wages raises serious questions about the licence holder’s commitment to lawful and ethical employment practices.
“Whether by negligence or wilful blindness illegal workers were engaged in activity on the premises, yet it is a simple process for an employer to ascertain what documents they should check before a person can work.”
The restaurant’s licence was transferred to Mohammed Oliur Rahman before Durham County Council licensing officers visited it on December 19 where they found one person still working inside the restaurant.
The report added: “This repeated breach demonstrates the license holder’s deliberate and continued disregard for immigration and employment laws by continuing to employ an individual who did not have the right to work.”
Mr Rahman is due to appear at a licensing meeting on Tuesday, as the Chapter goes to print, where the council’s committee will decide the course of action.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
