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Arrests made in Manchester after three illegal workers are found
09 July 2009
Acting on intelligence, immigration officers from the UK Border Agency conducted an illegal working operation on two Manchester businesses yesterday. Officers entered the premises, questioning those inside and checking their documents to see if they were entitled to work.
Offices entered the premises of Auto Repair Centre of Queen Street, West and arrested an Iranian man who was found working illegally and was placed on immigration bail whilst the Agency seeks to remove him from the country.
Offices entered the premises of Data Cash and Carry and arrested two Pakistani men who were found to be working illegally. Both men are now on immigration bail whilst steps are taken to remove them from the country.
Each business was served with a Notice of Potential Liability (NOPL) in relation to the men found working illegally. The employers now have 28 days to provide the UK Border Agency with evidence that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out or face a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker, meaning potential fines of £10,000 for Auto Repair Centre 1 and £20,000 for Data Cash and Carry.
Regional Director of the UK Border Agency in the North West, Eddy Montgomery, said:
'We will not tolerate illegal working, in Manchester or anywhere else - it undercuts British wages and exploits vulnerable workers. 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 employers who don't play by the rules.'
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.