Six Sussex businesses fined thousands for illegal workers

Six businesses across Sussex have been fined a combined total of £255,000 for employing illegal workers, following an Immigration Enforcement crackdown by the Home Office.

The government published data tracking civil penalties issued to 230 UK companies between October 1 and December 31, 2025. In Sussex, individual business penalties ranged between £40,000 and £45,000. 

Fined Businesses and Penalties

• Simply Bengal (trading as Simply Bengal in Uckfield) – Fined £45,000.
• Edi's Car Wash Ltd (Hastings) – Fined £45,000.
• Local Mart (Bognor, operated by Honar Ahmed) – Fined £45,000.
• Halsho Store Ltd (St Leonards) – Fined £40,000.
• KC Restaurant Limited (trading as Haldi Indian Restaurant in Southwater) – Fined £40,000.
• Popeye's Barbers (Brighton) – Fined £40,000. 

Legal and Community Impact

According to the Home Office enforcement reports, business owners have a strict legal duty to execute proper right-to-work checks before onboarding staff. Failure to complete these verification steps can lead to severe civil fines. If an employer knowingly hires unauthorized individuals, they can face up to five years in prison and unlimited financial penalties. 

Members of the public who suspect illegal employment practices can report businesses anonymously