West Cumbrian restaurant raided by immigration officers

Investigations are being carried out after immigration and police officers swooped on the Spice Club restaurant, in Cockermouth’s Main Street, last Friday.

Home Office immigration enforcement officers supported the Cumbria Police-led operation which resulted in the discovery of a man who did not have the right to work.

A Home Office spokesman said: “A 36-year-old Bangladeshi man was encountered who had no right to work due to his immigration status. He must now report regularly to Immigration Enforcement whilst his case is progressed.”

The restaurant now faces a financial penalty of up to £20,000 unless the employer can prove that the correct document checks were carried out.

The spokesman added: “Spice Club was served a civil penalty referral notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said the visit was carried out after concerns had been raised at the multi-agency Allerdale Local Focus Hub, which brings together representatives from different organisations in the borough.

“The concerns raised related to working and living practices at the location,” added the spokesman.

“Agencies represented at the visit were Cumbria Constabulary, Immigration Service, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Allerdale Council’s licensing and environmental health and housing departments.

“A number of licensing, housing and immigration offences were identified and are now being investigated by the relevant agency.

“This is another example of partner agencies working together to conduct an effective response following concerns raised to Allerdale Local Focus Hub.

“The hub will continue to work together with local businesses and communities to ensure that problems which impact local people are effectively dealt with.”