Men found working illegally during UK Border Agency raid (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Men found working illegally during UK Border Agency raid at Sun Fresh Food and Halal Meat, Tooting

10:40am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in News

A Tooting convenience store is facing a huge fine after four men were found to be in the country illegally following a UK Border Agency raid.

Following a tip-off officers visited Sun Fresh Food and Halal Meat, in Upper Tooting Road, just after 10am on Friday (January 11) where staff were quizzed about their right to work in the UK.

During the raid a 22-year-old Afghan man, who was a failed asylum-seeker, and a 34-year-old Pakistani man, who had entered the country illegally, were both arrested.

Sun Fresh was served a suspended fine of up to £20,000 - which is £10,000 per illegal worker found on the shop premises.

The actual fine will only be imposed unless proof is provided to the UK Border Agency that the correct employment procedures were carried out.

Officers also arrested Pakistani men aged 24 and 35 who were found hiding in a yard to the rear of the building, both men were found to have overstayed their visas.

Jill Smith, head of South London enforcement for the UK Border Agency, said: "Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

"But those who do break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines."

All four men arrested at Sun Fresh are being held at an immigration detention centre while the Border Agency officers investigate their cases.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.