Borders bust uncovers illegal workers in Reading

James Kell • Published 5 Jun 2009 09:00

Share this

ILLEGAL workers face deportation after border police raided a recycling centre in Reading.

Border Agency staff busted buildings run by Rag Collections on Portman Road and Loverock Road yesterday (Thursday) morning, and discovered two Nepalese workers, aged 20 and 23, who had overstayed on their visas.

A 76-year-old Pakistani national was also found to be working in breach of a tourist visa.

All three workers now face deportation, but two were granted bail, while one remains in detention.

Rag Collections, a clothing recycling company, also face a fine of up to £30,000 if they fail to prove they carried out the correct checks on staff.

Gareth Redmond, the UK Border Agency area director for West London and the South-East said: 'Our teams are working closely with local authorities, police, and other agencies to target rogue employers who use and exploit illegal workers.

'We now have the power to hand out heavy fines to those who undermine legitimate businesses and don"t play by the rules

'I"m happy to work with companies to make sure the right checks are done on potential staff, but those who break the law should take today"s operation as a warning - we are out there looking for you, and you will be punished.'

• Employers seeking more information on checks can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or call the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle