Owner convicted of wage offences

A Nottingham restaurant owner has been fined £3,500 for committing offences relating to the minimum wage.

Zaheer Iqbar Ibrahim, 35, of Belfry way, Edwalton, who owns the Jewel in the Crown in West Bridgford, was also ordered to pay costs.

He was found guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court of not producing records for HM Revenue and Customs.

Officers were attempting to establish whether former employees had been paid the National Minimum Wage.

Ibrahim, who did not attend the court hearing, was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge, as well as £100 court costs.

'Clear message'

No plea was entered and he was convicted in his absence.

Ibrahim was told all monies must be paid within 28 days.

The prosecution was brought by the Revenue & Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO), who said Ibrahim "[neglected] to produce documents" required under the National Minimum Wage Act.

Andy Millican, of HM Revenue & Customs said: "This sentencing sends a clear message to employers, large or small, that HMRC and RCPO will actively pursue those we suspect of flouting National Minimum Wage law.

"If employers prevent HMRC officers from checking staff records and refuse to comply with the law they could receive a fine and a criminal record.

"The majority of employers do assist us with our investigations, but if they don't we will pursue cases through the criminal courts."