DPD working with Home Office after immigration raid

Parcel delivery firm DPD says it is working with the Home Office after three people were arrested on its premises during an immigration raid.

Three Indian nationals suspected of not having the right to work in the UK were arrested on Monday in a joint operation between immigration enforcement officers and Lincolnshire Police at the company's warehouse in Witham St Hughs.

The BBC understands two were asylum seekers and one had overstayed their visa.

DPD said it "remained fully committed" to working with the Home Office to deal with illegal working in its sector.

A spokesperson for the company said: "DPD UK is working collaboratively with the Home Office to enable Right to Work checks to be carried out on associated delivery partners at DPD locations.

"As a result of those checks, individuals have been detained pending verification of their documentation."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages and fuels organised immigration crime. We will not stand for it."

At the start of October, new legislation came into force which meant companies hiring people with flexible working arrangements are now legally required to carry out right to work checks to confirm anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK.

Those who fail to do so will face hefty penalties including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications, and potential prison sentences of up to five years.

Lincolnshire Police has been contacted for comment.

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