UK Immigration News

12 June 2009

Three people have been arrested at businesses in Sheffield after the UK Border Agency carried out operations targeting illegal working.

On Wednesday, 10 June, officers from the Agency visited Oriental Palace, Sheffield, entering at 1700. After the immigration status of staff was checked, two workers aged 49 and 34 both Chinese were found to be working illegally and arrested as suspected illegal entrants.

Officers then travelled to China Garden Restaurant, Sheffield, entering shortly after 1900. One 34 year old Chinese woman a failed asylum seeker working in the takeaway was arrested before being released on immigration bail while emergency travel documents necessary for her removal are secured.

Both businesses visited by the UK Border Agency were issued with penalty notices for employing illegal workers and may now face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker.

Jeremy Oppenheim, Regional Director of the UK Border Agency in NE Yorkshire & Humber, said:

'We are taking tough action against employers who knowingly hire illegal workers, often exploiting them and undercutting the minimum wage.

'As long as there are illegal jobs, the UK will be an attractive place for illegal immigrants. That's why we have to put a stop to rogue employers who don't play by the rules.'

To avoid the fine, the employers must prove to the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks (such as asking for a passport or work permit) before giving the men jobs.

Civil penalties for business owners who fail to carry out the proper checks when employing migrant workers from outside Europe were introduced by the Government in February 2008. If you are an employer and you are unsure of the steps you must take to avoid employing illegal workers, you can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or call our employers' helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Devon or Cornwall can contact the UK Border Agency on 01752 275 161.