
A second immigration enforcement operation at a construction site in Swindon has found all workers to be operating legally.
Wiltshire Police said it had supported Home Office immigration enforcement officers in an inspection on 22 January at the ex-Honda site in Panattoni Park.
It followed an immigration enforcement operation at the same site on 2 December when around 30 arrests were made.
The police said around 200 workers were interviewed during the latest inspection, which aimed to identify illegal working and protect individuals at risk of labour exploitation.
All the workers “were working legally”, it added, without naming the firms they work for.
The South Western Ambulance Service, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Health and Safety Executive also took part, the police said.
Wiltshire Police chief inspector Carly Nesbitt said: “This is a great result for everyone involved in this operation.
“The fact that no offences were being committed may reflect a focus on ensuring that workers are here legally and vulnerable people are not being exploited.”
McLaren and Winvic are among the contractors with active projects at Panattoni Park, according to statements on their websites and information from data intelligence provider Glenigan.
Construction News contacted Wiltshire Police and the Home Office for further information.
Firms employing illegal workers can face fines of up to £45,000 per illegal worker for their first breach. This rises to £60,000 for repeat offences.
Employers may be sent to jail for five years and face an unlimited fine if they are found guilty of employing someone who they knew or had “reasonable cause to believe” did not have the right to work in the UK.
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Ben Vogel
