Illegal workers found at town centre businesses

An operation to crackdown on labour exploitation and modern slavery found illegal employees working in businesses in a Suffolk town.

Suffolk Police, Suffolk Trading Standards and Home Office Immigration Officers visited nail bars, barbers and hand car washes in Norwich Road, Ipswich, on Tuesday.

The sweep, which saw 14 premises searched, resulted in the recovery of counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes and the identification of vulnerable people.

Three businesses were also found to be employing illegal workers who were either not permitted to work under the terms of their visas or not properly registered.

Acting Insp Jess Lawlor, from Suffolk Police, said: "This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring businesses operate within the law."

During the multi-agency operation welfare checks were conducted with all workers and, where concerns were identified, safeguarding measures were implemented.

The owners of the businesses found to be employing illegal workers, meanwhile, were handed fines.

"Exploitation and modern slavery have no place in our communities," added Acting Insp Lawlor.

"We will continue to work to identify those who may be vulnerable, offer them support, and take action against those who seek to exploit others.

"The operation forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackle hidden harm and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and lawfully."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.