Six illegal workers were found at a council-owned building site in Portslade during a raid by immigration officials and police.
The Home Office said that a “civil penalty referral notice” had been issued to the construction business Morgan Sindall which has premises in Dyke Road Drive, Brighton. The company denied liability.
The employer of the six people could face a fine – or civil penalty – of up to £20,000 for each of the six workers, making a total of £120,000.
Morgan Sindall said that it was not the employer of the six people and did not face any fines or penalties in relation to the matter.
The Home Office said: “Immigration Enforcement conducted an intelligence-led visit to a Morgan Sindall construction site in East Sussex, supported by Sussex Police.
“Six illegal workers were found during the visit and they will be dealt with according to the immigration rules.
“A civil penalty referral notice has been issued to the business for employing individuals with no right to work in the UK.”
Morgan Sindall Construction said: “We acknowledge and comply with all immigration control laws around right to work and require all of our supply chain to comply with the same.
“In that respect the subcontractor has the legal responsibility for carrying out necessary checks before employing any individuals and sending them to our site.
“While any enforcement action taken will be against the employer of these individuals and not Morgan Sindall, we are supporting the immigration enforcement team with their investigation and shall continue to provide any assistance necessary to ensure that only those who are legally allowed to work on our site are able to do so.”
Morgan Sindall started work on building 42 council flats for Brighton and Hove City Council next to Portslade Town Hall earlier this year.
The old bowls club building was knocked down as part of the scheme and a new sports pavilion has been put up across the road in Victoria Park.
Immigration Enforcement raided the Circus Street site, in Brighton, two years ago where Henry Construction was overseeing the transformation of the old municipal fruit and veg market.
And earlier this year, a convenience store’s drinks licence was revoked after two people were found living at the premises in conditions described as like “modern slavery”.
One of those found at the Premier Express Saltdean Convenience Store, formerly known as Saltdean News, in Longridge Avenue, Saltdean, was said to have no right to be in the country.
what nationalities were involved or is too confidential?