Restauranteur who employed illegal works banned for five years
A renowned Manchester restaurateur has been disqualified from running a business for five years after being found to have employed illegal works.
Norman Musa, 42, was director of NMR Trading Ltd, trading as Ning Restaurant on Oldham Street until the company went into liquidation in December 2014, with debts of £66,097.
The Insolvency Service’s investigation found Musa, who lives in Birmingham, failed to ensure that the business completed relevant immigration checks on its employees, resulting in the employment of two illegal workers.
The breach was discovered following a visit to the restaurant from Home Office Immigration Officers on October 2, 2014, and a penalty notice of £20,000 was imposed on the company. The penalty remained unpaid at liquidation.
Robert Clarke, head of Insolvent Investigations North at the Insolvency Service, said: “The Insolvency Service rigorously pursues directors who fail to pay fines imposed by the government for breaking employment and immigration laws. We have worked closely in this case with our colleagues at the Home Office to achieve this disqualification.
“The director sought an unfair advantage over his competitors by employing an individual who did not have the right to work in the UK in breach of his duties as a director.
“The public has a right to expect that those who break the law will face the consequences. Running a limited company, means you have statutory obligations as well as protections. If you fail to comply with your obligations then the Insolvency Service will investigate you.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Illegal working is not victimless. It undercuts honest employers, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities and defrauds the taxpayer.
“Businesses should be aware that they have a duty to check that their staff have permission to work in the UK.
“We are happy to work with employers who play by the rules but those who do not should know that they will not go under our radar.”
Ning was founded by Musa in 2006 and the eatery went on to win Best Malaysian Restaurant at the Asian Curry Awards in November 2012 and November 2015.
He was also race chef for the former Lotus Racing Formula One team and has appeared TV shows like Sunday Brunch, Tom Kerridge’s Best Ever Dishes, and MasterChef Malaysia.
