Hundreds Arrested in London Raids Targeting Illegal Workers
A major crackdown in London has led to hundreds of arrests at car washes, nail bars, and supermarkets for illegal working activities
London, UK, Illegal Working, Car Washes, Nail Bars, Supermarkets, Immigration Enforcement
London: So, there’s been a huge operation in London where hundreds of folks got arrested for working illegally. They hit up places like car washes, nail bars, and even supermarkets.
The Home Office sent out immigration enforcement teams, and they’ve been busy. They’ve done nearly 1,000 visits recently to catch illegal workers in the city.
At one hotel in Kensington, they nabbed six agency staff. Five were suspected of illegal work, and one had overstayed their visa. Yikes!
Ministers are saying this crackdown is part of a bigger effort, with an 11% increase in enforcement since the last election in July.
Dame Angela Eagle, the border security minister, mentioned that many people come to the UK thinking they can work legally but end up in terrible conditions. It’s a real problem.
She pointed out that this situation can lead people to take dangerous risks, like crossing the Channel in small boats. They’re really trying to put a stop to that.
The Home Office reported that from July to November, they made 770 arrests from those visits and sent out 462 civil penalty notices to employers. That could mean hefty fines for those who hired illegal workers.
They’re especially focusing on car washes, nail bars, and construction sites, where they suspect illegal hiring is happening.
Many of these workers are living in awful conditions and often get paid less than the minimum wage. It’s just not right.
Eddy Montgomery from the Home Office said they’re serious about stopping illegal work and protecting those who are exploited.
He emphasized that they’re working hard to tackle the criminal gangs behind this issue.
This year, over 35,000 people have tried to cross the Channel in small boats to get to the UK, which is more than last year but still less than the peak in 2022.
Sadly, more than 70 people have drowned this year while trying to make that dangerous journey. It’s a tough situation, especially for women and children.
With limited options for asylum seekers, the new Labour government has scrapped the controversial Rwanda deportation plan and is now focusing on breaking up the trafficking gangs.
But whether this new approach is working remains to be seen.