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Illegal workers found in east End sweatshop
Alison Richards18.09.09
Illegal workers from China, Turkey and Vietnam have been found working in an East End sweatshop producing clothes for high street chain Jane Norman.
The UK Border Agency raided the factory in Dalston, finding 35 workers behind sewing machines, attaching buttons and cutting patterns.
After checks were carried out, 14 of them, 12 women and two men, now face deportation.
The owner of Dila Limited on Frederick Terrace is now facing a potential fine of £140,000 following the noon raid last Wednesday.
Inspector Mabs Uddin said: “These arrests show our commitment to operations targeting businesses which employ illegal workers.
“It is a crime that not only undercuts local business, but also has a serious impact on local communities - taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.
“We will act on any information received and if appropriate visit the place concerned to make arrests. We will not tolerate illegal working in East London.”
The government agency said bosses were issued with a notice of potential liability in respect of the illegal workers and now faces a fine of up to £10,000 for each worker employed.
To avoid the fine, the company must convince the UK Border Agency that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out, it said.
Civil penalties for business owners who fail to carry out the proper checks when employing migrant workers from outside Europe were introduced by the Government in February 2008.
It said there is no suggestion that Jane Norman were involved in the employment of these individuals.
Reader views (3)
All personally welcomed to the country by Broon and his idiots no doubt.
Nothing will happen, none will be returned to their own countries, against their 'uman Rights.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Good Lord, foreign nationals in East End sweatshop, nothing like it's ever happened before has it?
- Bob, Cheam
UK Border Agency, don't make me laugh.
- David, Fleet UK
