Eight individuals were arrested during an immigration enforcement operation at a recycling depot in Somerset, according to reports by the BBC. The raid involved approximately ten officers and led to six arrests at the unnamed depot, with an additional two arrests made at a related residential address.
Authorities allege that one of those arrested was employed while underage, and that the majority, although legally entering the UK, were working without the proper authorization. Furthermore, all those detained are reported to have been paid less than the minimum wage.
During the search of the linked residence, officers discovered passports belonging to the detainees, aiding enforcement efforts. Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, commented: “Enforcement visits like this prove there is no hiding place from the law. From city centres to rural areas, we are actively working across the UK to disrupt all forms of illegal employment.”
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If the agency responsible for supplying workers to the recycling depot is found to have employed individuals unlawfully, it could face penalties of up to £45,000 per illegal worker.
Murad Mohammed, Head of West of England Immigration Enforcement, stressed the importance of the passport findings in facilitating the removal of illegal workers: “Some individuals have overstayed their permitted time in the UK, making them overstayers, while others may be allowed to reside here but are not authorized to work.”