Baroness's job in the balance; RULING: Attorney General fined for employing illegal worker.

Byline: James Tapsfield

ATTORNEY General Baroness Scotland's job remained in the balance today after she was fined pounds 5,000 for employing an illegal worker as a housekeeper.

Despite issuing a grovelling apology and receiving backing from Gordon Brown, the peer risked inflaming the row by comparing her mistake to forgetting to pay the congestion charge in London.

Political opponents branded her "breathtakingly complacent" and accused the Prime Minister of "dithering" over sacking her. It was also reported she was under pressure from Cabinet colleagues to resign.

The UK Border Agency launched a probe after it emerged a Tongan citizen paid by Lady Scotland to look after her west London home had overstayed her student visa.

Chief executive Lin Homer accepted the peer had not "knowingly" employed an illegal worker, and "took steps" to check documents for 27-year-old Loloahi Tapui, who has reportedly told her family she intends to remain in the UK.

"However, the law requires that employers must keep copies of documents proving the right to work in the UK and in this instance the employer failed to meet this requirement," Ms Homer said.

Lady Scotland, the Government's top legal officer, said she "fully accepted" the findings.

"It's like driving into the City and not paying the congestion charge. It's not a criminal offence," she said. "I made an administrative, technical error for which I am bitterly sorry. I will never fail to take a photocopy again. It was a technical breach and I have paid the penalty."

The remarks risked undermining efforts by Mr Brown to draw a line under the episode. Shortly before, the premier had said: "Given the UK Border Agency is satisfied she did not knowingly employ an illegal worker and took steps to check the documents, I have concluded no further action is necessary given the action that has already been taken by the appropriate authorities and her unreserved apology."

But shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "You don't get a pounds 5,000 fine for not paying the congestion charge. Her comments underline how bad Gordon Brown's judgment has been in giving her his full backing."