UK: Undocumented workers detained & facing deportation after working in exploitative conditions, incl. pay below min. wage, at scrapyard
“Suspected illegal migrants 'living in car scrapyard'”
Five men who were arrested in a crackdown on illegal immigration had been living and working in a car scrapyard for just £2.50 an hour, immigration officials have said.
The migrants were found sleeping in mobile homes and shipping containers at the site in Oldham, Greater Manchester, during a raid.
The men, aged between 34 and 50, were expected to be deported to their home countries of Lithuania and Malaysia…
Charles Devereux, an inspector for immigration enforcement in north-west England, said: "We've encountered several foreign nationals in this raid. The converted cabins and shipping containers are very poor living conditions.
"It shows what can happen to illegal workers, how open they are to exploitation.
"Employers will expect the migrants to work unusually long hours and pay them below the minimum wage."…
Three of the foreign nationals were detained at one of the UK's immigration detention centres, pending their removal from the UK.
Two others have been bailed and are expected to leave the country voluntarily.
The firm involved could face a fine of up to £100,000.