Illegal workers arrested during immigration raid in Huntingdon

SEVEN illegal workers were arrested during a morning raid on a training centre in Huntingdon.

Acting on intelligence, immigration officers stormed a training venue used by Home Care Solutions in Market Hill at 9.55am on Thursday, April 30.

UK Border Agency staff sealed all exits before questioning workers and checking identity documents.

A 39-year-old female, believed to be from South Africa and a 28-year-old Kenyan female were charged with forgery and counterfeiting offences. Both were remanded in custody.

Two males from Kenya, both aged 36, were also detained. A Kenyan male, aged 40, a Kenyan female aged 36, and a female from Burundi, aged 34, were released on bail.

None of the foreign nationals had the right to work in the UK. Steps are now being taken to remove them from the UK as soon as possible.

Home Care Solutions provide home care services to the elderly and disabled across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

UK Border officials said the company was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Gail Adams, UK Border Agency regional director, said: "We are working hard to pull the plug on the illegal jobs which lure illegal immigrants to come to the UK in the first place.

"Illegal working is unfair on honest employers who recruit staff with the right to work in the UK and who pay them a proper salary.

"Employers who don't play by the rules will get struck off our register, lose the right to recruit staff from outside Europe, face on the spot fines and could potentially end up in jail."

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

INFORMATION: Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed in Cambridgeshire should contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.