A SOUTH Somerset business has responded after being fined £40,000 for illegal working, in a new Government publication.
The company Aayushi Trading Ltd, registered to the Premier Store at seven North Street, in Martock, Somerset, has been fined £40,000 in a new list issued by the Government.
The list names UK employers given illegal working civil penalties dating from January 1 to March 31.
The list published by the Government identifies employers who have been fined after illegal workers were encountered during enforcement activity.
The Home Office can issue civil penalties to businesses found to be employing people who do not have the right to work in the UK.
The published data covers penalties where appeal rights have been exhausted, meaning the fines are finalised.
In response, a spokesman for Aayushi Trading Ltd said they are aware of the review proceedings concerning the Premier Store arising from allegations raised by the Home Office.
The spokesman said the matters referred to relate to historical events arising in October 2025 when a family friend was provided with temporary accommodation and assisted informally with the business.
They said the company has taken steps to ensure no similar situation will arise in the future and has reviewed and strengthened its procedures moving forward.
This includes enhanced right-to-work checks, improved record-keeping, increased management oversight and stricter policies.
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The spokesperson said: “AAYUSHI TRADING LTD is aware of the review proceedings concerning Premier Store, 7 North Street, Martock, arising from allegations raised by the Home Office.
“The company takes its legal and regulatory responsibilities seriously and remains committed to operating responsibly and in accordance with all applicable requirements.
“The matters referred to by the Home Office relate to historical events arising in October 2025.
“The individual concerned was a friend of the family who had been provided with temporary accommodation while experiencing personal difficulties.
“The company's understanding is that he was not engaged as a paid employee but, as a family friend, was present at the premises and at times assisted informally.
“Without prejudice to its position regarding the matters raised in the review application, the company recognises the concerns that have since been raised and has taken steps to ensure that no similar situation can arise in the future.
"The company has reviewed and strengthened its procedures regarding anyone present at or assisting within the business.
“These measures include enhanced right-to-work checks, improved record-keeping, increased management oversight, and a strict policy that no individual may undertake any duties or assist within the business unless the appropriate right to work has first been verified.
“The company will continue to engage constructively with the licensing process and remains committed to serving customers and the local community in a responsible manner.
“We wish to make no further comment at this time.”
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