A Bangladeshi man has been removed from the UK after he was found working illegally at a Launceston restaurant, says the UK Border Agency.

The Spice Room on Western Road, Launceston, now has the chance to demonstrate that the correct checks were made or face a large fine for allegedly employing the man plus two other alleged illegal workers.

Officers from the UK Border Agency visited the Spice Room, at about 7.45pm on Thursday, October 8 after receiving intelligence of alleged illegal working.

After the documents of staff were checked, three Bangladeshi men, aged 31, 34 and 36, were found to have no legal right to be employed in the UK, claims the agency.

The 34-year-old was arrested and taken to Charles Cross police station, in Plymouth, where he was questioned further.

The man, who had overstayed his visa to work illegally, was then transferred to immigration detention before being removed to Bangladesh on Monday, October 12.

The two other men were arrested and taken to Launceston police station for questioning.

The agency says they were later placed on immigration bail and must report regularly to Launceston Police Station while the agency secures the travel doc­u­­ments necessary for their removal.

PENALTY NOTICE

Spice Room was issued with an on-the-spot penalty notice for allegedly employing illegal workers.

To avoid a fine of up to £30,000 (up to £10,000 per illegal worker), the employers must prove to the agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks to employ workers from outside Europe such as asking for passports or work permits.

Jane Farleigh, UK Border Agency Regional Director in Wales and South West, said: "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. We act on intelligence to target businesses which employ illegal workers and will work to remove anyone we find with no right to be in the UK.

"Illegal working is not a victimless crime. It undercuts honest employers and has a serious impact on communities, taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work."

Guidance for employers on preventing illegal working can be found on the UK Border Agency website, http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employingmigrants">www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employingmigrants or by calling the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0845 0106677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Cornwall can contact the UK Border Agency on 01752 275161.