32 illegal workers arrested in early morning factory raid

The immigration officers and police officers wearing stab vests surrounded the Siva Plastics factory following intelligence information gathered by the UK Border Agency’s intelligence team.

They guarded all exits at the premises in Spitfire Key, Hazel Road, to make sure no one escaped during the raid at 6am yesterday morning.

After questioning the occupants and checking identity documents, officers arrested 31 men and one woman on suspicion of working illegally.

They were all Indian nationals.

All have been taken into custody for questioning and proceedings have begun to remove them from the UK.

Officers are due to speak to the business’s management to establish whether an onthe- spot penalty notice for employing illegal workers is appropriate.

To avoid a heavy fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker, employers must convince the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct rightto- work checks for employing a worker from outside the EU.

Area director for the UK Border Agency, Hugh Ind said: “The UK Border 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 region 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 criminal charges.”

He added: “These jobs provide a pull factor for illegal migrants and they can lead to major abuses of the immigrants themselves and see law-abiding businesses being undercut by rule-breaking employers.

“As long as there are illegal jobs, the UK will be an attractive place for illegal immigrants.

That’s why we have to put a stop to employers who don't play by the rules.”

A Siva spokesman said that although the company believed its recruitment policy was “sufficiently robust” to ensure no illegal immigrants were employed, it was now undertaking a review of its recruitment policy in conjunction with the UK Border Agency.

The spokesman added: “Siva remains a responsible employer which is committed to the welfare of its staff and has never knowingly employed any illegal immigrant workers.”

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