A WINCHESTER illegal worker was arrested during a raid by the UK Border Agency.

The team of immigration officers targeted R & K News on Stockbridge Road at about 9.30am on Monday February 16.

They worked from intelligence gathered by the Agency’s Portsmouth-based enforcement team.

After questioning staff and checking identity documents, officers arrested an Indian man who had overstayed his visa and his permission to stay in the UK.

He was taken into custody whilst officers work to remove him from the UK.

The owner of the business was issued with a notice of potential liability in respect of the illegal worker and may now face a fine of up to £10,000 for the illegal worker employed.

To avoid a heavy fine, employers must convince the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks for employing a worker from outside the EU.

Area Director Hugh Ind said: "This arrest shows our commitment to targeting those who 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 and make arrests. No matter what line of business you are in, you are not safe. We will not tolerate illegal working in Winchester."

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Winchester should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.

A tough, Australian-style points based system for managing immigration was recently introduced, ensuring that only those with the skills required by the UK are allowed to work here.

Fingerprint visas are being rolled out across the globe to prevent people coming to the UK on a false identity whilst ID cards for foreign nationals have recently been introduced.