Latest news and updates
Chinese takeaway not so happy
09 November 2009
Three illegal immigrants have been caught working in a Peterborough takeaway by the UK Border Agency as part of an ongoing crackdown on rogue employers.
Officers raided the Happy Valley Chinese Takeaway in Oundle Road on Thursday evening (5 November).
Checks revealed that three members of staff who were working in the kitchen had entered the United Kingdom illegally. A fourth man, who was discovered asleep in a flat above the takeaway and was not employed by the restaurant, was also found to have entered the United Kingdom illegally.
The four men are all Chinese. Three of the four have outstanding asylum claims, while steps are being taken to remove the fourth from the United Kingdom.
If the Happy Valley Chinese Takeaway cannot prove that it carried out the correct pre-employment checks on the three illegal workers, such as asking for a passport or another Home Office document allowing the men to work in the United Kingdom it faces a potential fine of up to £30,000 - £10,000 per employee.
Immigration Officer Graham Booth, who was in charge of the intelligence, led operation, said:
'Those who use and exploit illegal workers face severe financial penalties.
'We are happy to work with businesses to ensure the right pre-employment checks are carried out, but those intent on operating outside the law should be warned that they will be found and they will be punished.'
The civil penalty system was introduced by the Government last year and provides a swift and effective means of tackling employers who make inadequate checks on their workers from outside Europe.
A penalty of up to £10,000 can be handed out for each illegal worker found at a business.
Identity cards for foreign nationals are also being rolled out, which will help protect against identity fraud and illegal working.
Guidance for employers on preventing illegal working can be found on the UK Border Agency website, www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or by calling the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed in Cambridgeshire should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.