Argy bhaji at curry house (From Knutsford Guardian)

Argy bhaji at curry house

1:30pm Wednesday 9th December 2009

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ILLEGAL workers have been found staffing an Indian restaurant in Knutsford.

Mughli Bar and Kitchen, on King Street, was raided by UK Border Agency officers on Friday night as part of an ‘intelligence-led enforcement visit’.

Five workers fled the restaurant as officers entered at around 9pm, but after being interviewed, three members of staff were found to be working illegally.

Eyewitnesses, who did not wish to be named, said a team of around six Border Agency officers plus an officer from Cheshire Police raided the restaurant and were there for around 40 minutes.

As a result of the raid, the restaurant – which has a branch on Manchester’s famous ‘Curry Mile’ – could be fined £30,000 for employing the workers.

The Guardian contacted the restaurant’s head office and at first, a representative was unaware a raid had taken place.

Pete Franks, from the Mughli, confirmed that UK Border Agency officers, had visited the establishment but no members of staff were taken away.

“I have been unable to contact the manager who was working that night but as far as I am concerned, everyone is still there,” he said.

“They were there for about 30 to 45 minutes and I understand some customers were upset, and I apologise for that.”

Jo Liddy, the UK Border Agency regional director for the north west, said: “We are listening to the public and their concerns and we are taking necessary action.

“We will not tolerate illegal working in Cheshire or anywhere else – it undercuts British wages and exploits vulnerable workers.

“As long as there are illegal jobs, the UK will be an attractive place for illegal immigrants. That’s why we have to put a stop to employers who don't play by the rules.

“A tough new civil penalty system was brought in last year to provide a fast and effective way of tackling bosses who fail to carry out proper checks on workers from outside Europe.

“A fine of up to £10,000 per worker can be imposed for every illegal worker found at a business.”

Guidance for employers on preventing illegal working can be found on the UK Border Agency website, ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employingmigrants or by calling the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who has information about illegal working, should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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