Two illegal workers were discovered by Home Office immigration enforcement officers in Preston this week.

Working on a tip off UK Border Agency officers paid a visit to popular student venue the 3 Monkeys Sandwich Bar in Preston early on Tuesday morning (7 January). They questioned individuals present to check if they had the right to be in the UK.

Advertisements

Two Pakistani men were arrested for staying in the UK illegally. One, aged 26, had overstayed his visa while the other, aged 29, had been working in breach of his visa conditions. The two men have been detained awaiting removal from the UK.

Assistant Director of the North West Immigration Enforcement Team, Karen McDonough said:
‘Illegal working has a negative impact on communities. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

‘We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face financial penalties.

‘I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.’

UK Border Agency states they served a notice to the 3 Monkeys Sandwich Bar, situated on Adelphi Street, warning that it faces a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker employed.

The Agency will impose the penalty if the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required checks were carried out. ‘Right-to-work checks should be made by employers before employing workers (such as asking for a passport or a Home Office document). 

Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes civil penalties on hundreds of companies which fail to carry out proper right-to-work checks on staff.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers should visit thePreventing illegal working pages, or they can call the agency’s employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

The government recently announced the introduction of the Immigration Bill. Looking at reforming the removals and appeals system, the Bill will make it easier and quicker to remove those who have no right to be here. It will also prevent illegal migrants accessing or abusing public services and the labour market.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business or someone is living in the UK illegally can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The owners of the 3 Monkeys were unavailable for comment.