Borders raid angers poultry company

- Published: 23 July, 2008

A Derbyshire poultry processing company has hit back following a raid by the UK Borders Agency.

A convoy of police and immigration officers in 20 cars swooped on the site of Chesterfield Poultry at Clay Cross.

Following the raid a UK Borders Agency spokesman said: "We led a sizeable multi-agency operation which is still ongoing and we've been taking action against suspected illegal immigration and related work practises.

"We've had to make a number of arrests on the basis suspects have been working in the UK illegally and we will be looking to examine workers' identification documents.

"An employer found to have knowingly taken on illegal migrant workers can face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker and could face a prison sentence."

However Chesterfield Poultry has hit back at the raid. The company released a statement through its solicitors which read:

"Our clients deny any wrongdoing. They are responsible employers and take all their duties seriously.

"Thorough checks are in place to ensure that all employees are legally entitled to be in the UK and in paid employment.

"Our clients consider that the raid was entirely unjustified.

"It has severely affected their ability to carry on with their business.

"We have no doubt that the police and immigration authorities' enquiries will vindicate our client."