The owner of a pizzeria and takeaway in Ulverston has been handed a six-year ban after hiring illegal workers.

Dondu Ozmicco, 35, employed the workers at Flames Pizzeria on New Market Street before the business was raided by Immigration Enforcement in 2020. 

Ms Ozmicco was found to have not properly conducted the appropriate right-to-work checks, with her business also being given a £20,000 fine.

Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: "Dondu Ozmicco’s failure to ensure the required right-to-work checks were carried out led to the employment of two illegal workers, in contravention of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. 

"This represents a serious breach of legislation and of the standards expected of company directors. 

"As a result of this breach, she cannot be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company in the UK until January 2030."

Ms Ozmicco, of Scale Hall Lane, Lancaster, was the sole director of Flames Pizzeria – NM Catering Ltd from its formation in December 2019 until it entered liquidation in March 2022. 

The civil penalty of £20,000 was issued in March 2021 and remained unpaid at the time of liquidation.

One of the workers said he had worked at the premises for between one and two weeks. 

"Illegal working cheats honest workers out of employment, puts vulnerable people at risk, and defrauds the public purse," HM Inspector Kendal Barnett explained.

"We will continue to work with partners including the Insolvency Service, as well as law enforcement agencies, to tackle illegal migration in all its forms."

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Ms Ozmicco and her six-year ban began on January 10. 

It prevents her from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.