In the first nine months of 2011, the period for which figures are available, 199 illegal immigrant offenders were removed at a rate of more than five a week from Devon and Cornwall alone.
The offenders were detained during illegal working raids, visits to residential properties or during other immigration operations carried out by the UK Border Agency's team in Plymouth.
During the same period, the UK Border Agency also fined businesses in Devon and Cornwall £434,250 for employing illegal workers.
"Getting employment processes right has never been more important. The rules are clear , you flout them at your peril. If you are offered a deal that seems to be too good to be true it probably is" said Chris Slay of our sister company Skills Provision.
The Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) has taken on the Cornish Flower growers and earlier this year West Country farmers from Somerset and Wiltshire to court and as we move into 2012 any one unsure of their employee arrangements should seek advice because with new whistle blowing provisions in place the news will get out.
It does surprise us that other professional advisors are not more active but readers might find this link to West Country Law firm Future Law's website helpful but please do talk to whomever you trust to give sound advice, but make sure they are qualified and insured to give advice.
Author: Peter Arkwright.
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