Turf Services caught in raid at Merseyside racecourse

8 Sep 2010 11:45 AM

Three immigration offenders have been caught following a UK Border Agency raid at Haydock Park Racecourse in Merseyside on 6 September.

The enforcement operation was part of planned nationwide action by the UK Border Agency to tackle illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.

Based on intelligence, officers worked closely with Haydock Park management, in targeting one of its external suppliers, Turf Services. During the enforcement visit to the racecourse in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, the officers checked the immigration status of 15 staff and found 3 Indian males were working illegally in the UK.

The 3 men, all aged 20 years, were arrested for working in breach of their student visa conditions and have now been detained while arrangements are made to remove them from the UK.

Turf Services was handed a civil penalty notice for employing illegal workers. If the company is unable to prove the correct pre-employment checks were carried out on the staff, a fine of up to £10,000 per worker will be imposed - £30,000 in total.

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 and stay in the UK illegally.'

Dickon White, managing director of Haydock Park racecourse, said:

'We worked closely with the UK Border Agency once this situation with one of our suppliers came to our attention. As a responsible business we have a duty to step up to the plate on this type of matter and we fully supported the investigation and operation that has taken place.'

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.

Any one who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Wales should contact the UK Border Agency on 029 2092 4727 or visit the Crimestoppers website.