DRIVE & SHINE Hand Car Wash in Haverfordwest has been fined £120,000 for employing illegal workers, following a Home Office investigation into their practices.

The business, located in Cartlett, was named in the government’s latest quarterly report on employers penalised for illegal working. The report, covering penalties issued between April 1 and June 30, 2024, was released on October 31.

During the summer, the Daily Mail reported that Drive & Shine employed workers from Bulgaria, Romania, and Kurdistan. On busy days, as many as ten employees were observed pressure-washing, polishing, and valeting cars at the site.

Manager Aras Karam, a Kurd, defended the business, claiming it adhered to health and safety regulations while paying staff at least the minimum wage, “sometimes more.” He stated that the company conducted employee checks to ensure they had the legal right to work in the UK, adding:

“That isn’t happening here. There are so many car washes in the country now, some will be operating illegally, I know that. But this is a legitimate business, we have been here for many years. I’m not saying it doesn’t go on, but it depends on the place and who is running it.”

Community trust shaken

Long-time customer Sue Williams, 57, a furniture restorer, shared mixed feelings about the allegations. While expressing support for the workers, she said she trusted authorities to ensure compliance.

“They work hard and do a good job. I’ve been coming here for years. I’d think again if the place was being used for money laundering and was staffed by slave labour. But I put my trust in the police and immigration authorities to make sure it’s a properly run business.”

Government response

The Home Office emphasised the severe consequences for businesses employing workers without the legal right to work in the UK. A spokesperson said:

“You can also be penalised if you employ someone who does not have the right to work and you did not do the correct checks, or you did not do them properly. If this happens, you might get a ‘referral notice’ to let you know your case is being considered and that you might have to pay a civil penalty (fine) of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker.”

Publishing the names of offending businesses is part of the government’s strategy to deter others from engaging in illegal employment practices.

Employers urged to comply

The £120,000 fine highlights the importance of compliance with right-to-work laws. Businesses must verify employees’ legal status through checks such as reviewing passports, visas, or work permits.

The Home Office provides a free online service to assist employers, helping them avoid fines and reputational damage.

The penalty against Drive & Shine has raised serious questions about employment practices in the car wash industry, sparking concerns about oversight and compliance nationwide.