Two Arrested in Immigration Crackdown at Manchester Abattoir
Immigration raid targets meat processing plant
Late on 16 March, Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams swooped on Manchester Abattoir Limited in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Over 25 officers stormed the premises, resulting in the arrest of two men linked to immigration offences.
Suspects caught working illegally
The arrested men, of Somali and Congolese origin, were found flouting UK work laws. One was a visa overstayer, while the other was working despite an outstanding asylum application. Both failed mandatory abattoir employment checks and were later released on immigration bail.
Fines looming over the employer
Their employer now faces civil penalty notices with fines up to £40,000 for allowing illegal workers on site. Manchester Abattoir Ltd isn’t new to legal trouble, having previously faced action over animal welfare breaches.
Home Office vows to continue crackdown
“Illegal working puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment and defrauds the public purse,” said HM Inspector Kendal Barnett of Home Office Immigration Enforcement.
“I’m pleased that tonight’s operation was a success and that our dedicated officers were able to arrest two immigration offenders. We will continue to work tirelessly to put a stop to this kind of criminality.”
