Preston business facing huge fine, Border officials warn
BOSSES at a chicken factory in Preston could face a fine of up to £60,000 after they were caught employing illegal immigrants.
Six illegal immigrants from India and Pakistan were caught working at Gafoor Poultry Products following a raid from UK Border officials last week.
The men, aged between 24 and 32, were arrested for offences including illegal entry, working in breach of visa conditions and overstaying visas.
Five of those arrested are being detained in immigration detention until they are removed and one has been released on immigration bail.
The Preston based business now faces fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker – £60,000 in total.
A Notice of Potential Liability will be served on the Manager in relation to the illegal workers. The employer has 28 days to provide the UK Border Agency with evidence that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out or face a fine.
Jo Liddy, Regional Director of the UK Border Agency in the North West, said: “We will not tolerate illegal working, in Preston or anywhere else – it undercuts British wages and exploits vulnerable workers. 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.”
