The UK Home Office has publicly apologised and paid substantial damages to FP McCann, a County Londonderry-based construction and concrete firm, after wrongly accusing the company of employing illegal workers during an immigration enforcement raid in 2024.
The incident occurred in March 2024 at one of FP McCann’s sites in North Wales, where immigration officers alleged that five contractors were working illegally. The company was issued a civil penalty referral notice with a potential fine of up to £225,000. However, following a detailed review of site records and employment documentation, the Home Office issued a “no action notice” just a month later, confirming the company bore no liability.
High Court Confirms Home Office Error
At a hearing held on Thursday at the High Court in Belfast, the Home Office officially retracted its previous claims and apologised for what it described as “false and defamatory allegations” made in a March 2024 press release. It acknowledged that FP McCann’s contractors were legally entitled to work at the North Wales site.
The government department has now agreed to pay FP McCann “substantial” damages as well as cover the firm’s legal costs. A spokesperson for the company said they were satisfied to “draw a line under this unsatisfactory matter.”
Reputational Damage Prompted Legal Action
The Home Office’s original press release, which linked the company to the employment of unauthorised workers, was widely circulated and sparked reputational harm to FP McCann and its directors. The High Court settlement marks a significant step in restoring the firm’s reputation.
This case highlights the potential impact of premature enforcement statements and reinforces the importance of thorough verification before public allegations are made by government departments.
