Antrim business faces fine over illegal workers
AN Antrim restaurant faces a large fine after UK Border Agency officers caught two Bangladeshi men working there illegally.
Acting on intelligence, UK Border Agency officers targeted Zara’s Indian restaurant in Market Square on Thursday evening to question staff and ensure they had the right to work in the UK.
After the immigration status of staff was checked, the two men aged, 30, and 33 were discovered to be working illegally.
They were arrested and placed in UK Border Agency detention while steps are being taken to remove them from the UK.
The business has been issued with a civil penalty notice for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required checks were carried out before giving them a job – such as asking for a passport or a Home Office document – they may be liable for a fine of up to £10,000 for each employee.
Mike Golden, UK Border Agency, said: “Foreign nationals who are in this country illegally should be in no doubt that they will be found, arrested and removed from the UK.
“Businesses that think they can undercut competitors by employing illegal workers should be warned that they will face heavy fines and possible prosecution.
“We are sending a simple, clear message to people who are in the country illegally – more raids are planned and you will be caught.”
Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes civil penalties on hundreds of companies which failed to carry out legally-required checks on their staff.
Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/advice-for-employers or they can call the UK Border Agency’s Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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