A HEARING to determine potential penalties for a restaurant where illegal workers were found has been adjourned.

Essex Police are calling for Mirra in Colchester High Street to have its licence revoked after three people were found in June who were not believed to be working legally.

Colchester Council’s licensing subcommittee was due to hear the police’s application on Monday, however they agreed to adjourn at the request of the restaurant.

They said a Home Office investigation into the incident was yet to be concluded and would prove the bosses of the establishment did act lawfully.

Subcommittee chairman Dave Harris (Lab) agreed to a four week adjournment but warned there would be no further delays – even if the investigation was still ongoing.

Immigration workers discovered three workers, found wearing Mirra uniforms, told officers they did not have permission to work in the UK.

Two of the workers said they had not shown documents ahead of starting work.

One worker “claimed he had not received any money as he was on trial” while the other two workers told officers they were paid but it was found to be below the minimum wage.

An officer spoke to the manager and was told right to work checks were sent to his accountant “but that could take a week to process”.