A Macclesfield takeaway has hit back at an 'unfair' fine.

Pizzaz on Mill Street has been fined £30,000 for using illegal workers.

That is according to a new quarterly report published by the Government's Immigration Enforcement service.

The report details civil penalties given to UK employers between July 1 and September 30, 2024.

However, Pizzaz say the worker in question did actually have a valid work permit.

A spokesperson for the charcoal grill takeaway said: "At the time, we saw that they had the permit and assumed everything was fine.

"What we didn't realise was that the permit only allows work in certain sectors, like care homes, and not in other roles, like working in a kitchen.

"To be honest, it feels pretty unfair."

They added: "Expecting someone with very limited English and minimal skills to work in a care home seems completely unrealistic, yet somehow, they're not allowed to do a straightforward kitchen job?

"It just doesn't make much sense."

Pizzaz was one of nine Cheshire businesses named in the latest report on illegal working civil penalties.

Towns such as Warrington, Crewe and Widnes all feature on the list, with businesses such as barber shops, car washes and restaurants all receiving fines.