12 arrests made in sewing firm raid

Twelve people are being interviewed today for suspected illegal working at an Oldham textile company after a raid by the UK Border Agency.

Officers raided the Grameen Cutting and Sewing factory in Main Road, Westwood, at 11am yesterday.

They arrested five women and seven men, who are being interviewed by immigration officials.

Border Agency officers temporarily released two other women suspected of illegal working.

All 14 are Bangladeshi nationals, the agency said.

The workers, aged between 20 and 68, were taken to a police station in South Manchester for questioning.

An agency spokeswoman said: “We found people who could not prove they had a right to work there.

“This could be because they entered the country legally with a visitor’s visa which has run out, or were working clandestinely, or could have a permit from a different employer.

“We were acting on information received from a number of sources.

“The company can continue to operate but there are potential liabilities of up to £10,000 per worker —possibly £140,000 in total.

“The civil penalties unit will also take into account evidence from the employer. They will look at them with a view to finding adequate records and status, and check for work permits on the premises. Based on that they will decide whether or not to fine them.”