Eight arrests after immigration officials raid

Officers acting on intelligence visited Frankie’s, on Gerard Street, Ashton, on Saturday and questioned staff to establish whether they had the right to live and work in the UK.

Seven Pakistani men aged between 18 and 41 were arrested. Six had overstayed their visas and the other had entered the UK without permission to do so. All seven have been detained pending their removal from the UK.

Bosses at Frankie’s have been served a notice warning they are liable for financial penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found.

Paul Airlie, from Manchester Immigration Enforcement team, said: “We are working hard to stamp out illegal working, catching those who seek to abuse the UK’s immigration system.

“Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime. It cheats the taxpayer, undercuts businesses who ply an honest trade and deprives legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.

“There are simple checks employers can carry out to ensure their employees have the right to work in the UK. Those who choose to ignore the rules will face the consequences.

“I would urge anyone with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration abuse to contact us.”