TWO Bolton businesses have been hit with large fines for the use of illegal workers.

A government report has been published listing the penalties given for a breach of the rules regarding workers from abroad..

And two Bolton enterprises have been among those hit.

Il Toro, an Italian restaurant based on Church Street in Horwich, was hit with a fine of £15,000.

The Godfather, a takeaway on Albert Road in Farnworth, was penalised by the same amount.

Both businesses declined to comment on the fines.

They were two out of 56 in the north west region to be hit with a penalty.

The offending behaviour took place between October 2019 and December the following year.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Illegal working undercuts honest employers, puts vulnerable migrants at risk of exploitation, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment and defrauds the public purse.

“Tackling this damaging crime is a key Government priority.

“The government is bringing forward a New Plan for Immigration that is fair but firm, which will stop the abuse of the system and expedite the removal of those who have no right to be here.”

Guidelines state an employer must check a prospective worker has the right to work in the UK before taking them on.

Changes brought in as a result of Covid mean a boss can receive documents proving someone has the right to work her digitally.

If an applicant cannot show documents an employer is required to check their immigration status with the Home Office.

Earlier this year a Bolton business was found to be using illegal workers during a raid.

Immigration officers visited Grillsters on Derby Street in August and two people were found to be working there who had no valid leave to remain in the UK.