The regional chairman of one of Scotland’s major business organisations has condemned the use of illegal workers in Angus.
David Hutcheson was speaking following a series of high-profile immigration raids in Angus, which has found more than 20 people working illegally.
Three Chinese men were found to be working illegally and more than £25,000 in “dirty cash” was found during the latest raid at Harbour City in Arbroath’s East Grimsby.
Three businesses and a number of homes in Kirriemuir, Monifieth and Forfar were previously raided by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and police in February.
Immigration officers dramatically swooped on two eateries named the Bengal in Monifieth and Forfar and the Swan in Kirriemuir.
As a result, 16 men from Bangladesh were detained. Police and UKBA staff also raided a Chinese restaurant in Montrose in April after a tip-off.
Further investigation of the Peking Palace revealed three people were in the UK illegally.
Mr Hutcheson, chairman of the Tayside branch of the Institute of Directors, told The Courier: “The Institute of Directors wholly condemns the use of illegal workers.
“This criminal practice can lead to these workers being paid below the legal minimum and to them working in poor and sometimes dangerous conditions.
“We should, however, make sure that we do not denigrate those who come here to work legally.
“They provide a vital labour resource, especially in industries such as agriculture and in particular, the fruit-growing sector in this area.”
Harbour City could be hit with a £30,000 fine unless it can show pre-employment checks were carried out before hiring the workers. The business will now be served with a civil penalty notice for employing the illegal workers.
North-East MSP Alex Johnstone said: “I find this case worrying because of the large sum of hidden cash uncovered during the raid and feel it is important that more investigations are carried out into this aspect. I would urge employers to ensure that their staff have the necessary permits to work here.”
Further lines of inquiry are still being pursued by the police.
If employers are unable to provide evidence that legally-required checks were carried out before giving the workers a job, a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker can be imposed.
Every year, the Border Agency imposes civil penalties on thousands of companies that have failed to carry out legally-required checks on their staff.
Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit the agency’s website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk, or call the helpline on 0300 123 4699.
Anyone who suspects illegal workers are being employed at a business can report it on the website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.