Illegal Chorley takeaway workers face deportation

3:30pm Friday 16th May 2008

Two illegal workers face deportation after being arrested last night in a Chorley takeaway.

Immigration officers and police swooped on the Diya takeaway Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley Old Road, Chorley, shortly after 5.15pm, yesterday.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old Bangladeshi man on suspicion of overstaying his visa and working illegally.

They also arrested a 44-year-old Bangladeshi man on suspicion of entering the country illegally and working illegally.

Both men are currently being questioned by police and steps will now be taken to remove them from the country.

The arrests come follow operations by the UK Border Agency and intelligence gathered by the its Liverpool-based enforcement team.

The immigration officer in charge of the operations, Lara Sullivan said: "Thursday's operation was successful resulting in two arrests for illegal working.

"These arrests will contribute greatly to our crackdown on illegal working in Chorley.

"We will continue to make clear to local businesses that we will not tolerate illegal working.

"By removing these people from the workplace we have demonstrated that we will act on all information we receive."

The owner of the premises, although not present at the time, will be served with a Notice of Public Liability.

Since February 29, anyone discovered employing illegal workers could stand to face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal employer.

UK Border Agency Regional Director for the North West, Gill Mortlock, said: "The Border and Immigration Agency is committed to tackling illegal migrant working and its harmful social effects.

"Illegal working hurts good business, undercuts legal workers, creates illegal profits and puts those employed at risk.

"We have teams throughout the country who visit businesses to ensure they are not breaking the law.

"Our message to employers is simple - if you employ illegal workers you could be named and shamed and face a substantial fine."

The operation comes at a time of major reform to the immigration system.

At the start of this year Immigration Minister Liam Byrne announced crucial milestones for border protection being introduced over the next 12 months.

A tough, Australian-style points-based system for managing immigration was introduced on Friday 29 February, ensuring only those with the skills the UK needs are allowed to work.

If employers are found to be breaking the law, they will lose the right to recruit from outside the European Union and will face on the spot fines of up to £10,000 per illegal employee for employers who don't make the correct right-to-work checks.

Biometric visas are being rolled out across the globe to prevent people coming to the UK on a false identity and ID cards are being introduced for foreign nationals in 2008.

The introduction of a single border force and police-like powers for frontline staff in 2008 will ensure that robust action is taken to guard ports and airports.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to ensure they don't employ illegal workers can click the link below or call the Employers Helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in the North West should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.

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