FOUR Pakistani nationals were arrested during raids on fast food restaurants suspected of employing illegal workers.

The UK Border Agency swooped on Ravensthorpe’s Hot Grill on Huddersfield Road yesterday.

The Zam Zam takeaway in Elland was also targeted as part of a day-long operation in Kirklees and Calderdale.

The intelligence led operation was launched after information was received from the public.

Inside the Elland restaurant the officers encountered two Pakistani nationals, both men, aged 33 and 24 years old, believed to be working there illegally.

The operation then moved to the Hot Grill Takeaway, Ravensthorpe, where a further two Pakistani males, aged 33 and 27, were arrested. Steps will now be taken to remove all four from the UK as soon as is possible.

But the owners of both businesses face a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker if they cannot produce documents showing adequate checks were made.

Steve Lamb, regional operations director of the UK Border Agency, said: “As these arrests show, the UK Border Agency is able and ready to deal with those who would try and flout our immigration rules. Illegal working threatens to damage our communities, undermining law-abiding businesses by paying less than the minimum wage and by-passing health and safety laws.”

The UK Border Agency can help employers understand the rules they must comply with.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.