TWO employees suspected of working illegally at a Chinese restaurant have been arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency as part of a nationwide crackdown.
Officers visited New Century Takeaway, in Fulwell Road, Peterlee, County Durham, where they questioned staff and examined documents to check they were entitled to work in the UK.
Among the staff were two Chinese men, aged 38 and 40, both working as chefs.
A spokesman for the agency said the men, both failed asylum seekers, were the only people working in the kitchen at the time.
Steps are now being taken to remove the pair from the UK.
The employer was served with a Notice of Potential Liability (NOPL) in relation to the illegal workers, and could face collective fines of up to £20,000.
The employer has 28 days to provide the UK Border Agency with evidence that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out or face a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker.
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.
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