WIREDGOV

Two illegal workers have been arrested following a UK Border Agency raid on a pizza takeaway in Nottingham.

The enforcement operation was part of a nationwide crackdown over the summer tackling illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Max's Pizza Takeaway in Alfreton Road at 15:45 on 26 August. They sealed all the exits before interviewing the workers and checking their immigration status.

Officers then arrested 2 men, from Afghanistan and Iran, who were failed asylum seekers with no right to work.

The UK Border Agency is now taking steps to remove both illegal workers from the country as soon as possible.

The business was issued with an on-the-spot penalty notice for employing illegal workers and may now face a fine of up to £20,000.

To avoid a heavy fine, the business must prove to the UK Border Agency that it carried out the correct pre-employment checks on the workers.

Damian Green, the Immigration Minister, said:

'The government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity over the summer. We are determined to make it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK.

'Illegal immigration puts pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses at a time when this country cannot afford it.

'That's why the UK Border Agency is working to cut out illegal employment, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised traffickers being used by foreign nationals to try to stay in the UK illegally.'

Phil Dyer, UK Border Agency East Midlands assistant director, said:

'Illegal working is unfair on honest employers who recruit staff with the right to work in the UK and who pay them a proper salary.

'We will continue to support those companies who seek to comply with the law. But bosses who don't play by the rules will lose the right to recruit staff from outside Europe, face on the spot fines and could potentially end up in jail.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit the preventing illegal working section of this website or they can call the UK Border Agency's employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed in Nottinghamshire should contact the East Midlands local immigration team on 01332 442100 or visit the Crimestoppers website where anonymity can be assured.