A business in Maryport has been fined thousands of pounds after they were found to be employing illegal workers. 

The Maryport Express Hand Car Wash & Valeting Centre has been listed in the Government's round-up of companies that have had penalties issued for the use of illegal workers.

The car wash on Curzon Street, Maryport, has been charged a penalty of £10,000. 

Elsewhere in Cumbria, The Italian Job in Ambleside was charged £30,000 and Barrow-in-Furness' Taj Mahal Restaurant has also been hit with a £30,000 fine. 

According to the Government, there can be severe penalties for employing individuals who do not have the right to work.

Gov.uk says: "You can be sent to jail for 5 years and pay an unlimited fine if you’re found guilty of employing someone who you knew or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK.

This includes, for example, if you had any reason to believe that:

  • They did not have leave (permission) to enter or remain in the UK
  • Their leave had expired
  • They were not allowed to do certain types of work
  • Their papers were incorrect or false