AN INDIAN restaurant has been slapped with a £40,000 fine from the Home Office for employing "illegal workers".

Akash Tandoori, on High Road, Benfleet, has been named in the latest list of businesses hit with fines for immigration offences by the Government.

Data released by the Home Office relates to fines issued between January 1 and March 31 this year, however it is unclear at this stage when an inspection took place at Akash Tandoori or how many illegal workers were found.

Bosses at Akash Tandoori declined to comment when contacted by the Echo.

Leader of Castle Point Council, Dave Blackwell, said it was “shocking” to see the business disciplined for the offence.

He said: “At the end of the day, you expect businesses to make sure their employees are entitled to be in the country.

“I fully support cracking down on this type of thing.

“Hopefully, that will send a message to any business planning to do the same thing.”

He added the council “cannot condone it” and said many illegal workers are often exploited and not given a living wage.

Businesses found to be employing people illegally face fines of up to £45,000 per worker for the first offence, and up to £60,000 per worker for repeat offences.

The venue has proven quite popular with residents and boasts a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

One review of the restaurant praised its “great food” and excellent team, while another said they “could not fault any aspect” of their meal.

One resident said: “We have been eating here for years and it never fails as the best Indian in the area.”

Another resident said: “All our dishes were lovely, flavoursome and well-presented. Delicious. The staff were really friendly and helpful.

“Lovely atmosphere, attention to detail and all at a very reasonable price . We’ll be back without a doubt.”

The Home Office was also contacted for comment by the Echo but failed to respond.