TWO Bradford district businesses have been fined tens of thousands of pounds after they were found to be employing illegal workers over the last 12 months.

The businesses have been listed in the Government's quarterly round-up of companies that have had penalties issued for the use of illegal workers.

According to the data - which is updated every three months - a takeaway in Bradford and a carwash in Ilkley have been penalised.

Hygiene China, of 386 Kings Road in Wrose, was fined £15,000. The liable party is Fulle Joy Ltd.

Stepping Stones Hand Car Wash, of 329 Leeds Road in Ilkley, was fined £30,000. The liable party is Mohammed Ali Kadir.

The Home Office releases the data into the public record four times per year, and the latest data relates to the period of October to December 2022 and January to March 2023.

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 theBusinesse right to work in the UK."