National warning for manufacturers from UK Border Agency

Another day another raid, and this time with a stern warning from the UKBA to all manufacturers and warehouse operators. The latest warning comes after a plastics factory in Portsmouth was targeted by immigration officials which featured on the TV program UK Border Force which aired on Sky 1 on Monday night.

The raid showcased UKBA officers from around the country’s south teaming up with local police in hitting the premises in the port town. A total of 15 arrests were made across a range of offences that pertain to illegal entrance and work in the UK.

The UKBA has repeatedly stated that an illegal worker can result in an automatic £10,000 fine for the employer. The £150,000 fines may be a sufficient deterrent but companies can also face the threat of closure if found to continually flaunt regulations. The latest TV reminder comes hard on the heels of numerous businesses in the south of England being raided in recent months as the UKBA seeks to weed out illegal immigrants.

Officials once again stated clearly that manufacturers, along with any prospective employer, must conduct the necessary right-to-work checks if using labour from outside the EU. This includes making copies of all documents such as passports, work permits and visas. The employer must then be able to produce these documents for the UKBA or, as in the high-profile case of Baroness Scotland, face stiff penalties. The UKBA has said the exercise should serve as a strong warning to those who attempt to cheat the system.

The UKBA has made the guidelines for employers available on their website.