At The Nail Bar in Sherrard Street two immigration offenders encountered a 27-year-old Malaysian woman who had overstayed her visa and a 26-year-old woman whose nationality is still to be determined.

The business now faces a potential fine of up to £20,000 - £10,000 per illegal worker – unless it can prove that the correct pre-employment checks were carried out.

At Melton Kebab House, Windsor Street, two immigration offenders were encountered, both Turkish men and both failed asylum seekers. One was 31 and the other 34.

Again, the business faces a potential fine of up to £20,000 - £10,000 per illegal worker – unless it can prove the correct pre-employment checks were carried out.

And at USA Chicken in Leicester Street one immigration offender encountered a 26-year-old Iraqi man who had entered the UK illegally.

The business faces a potential fine of £10,000 unless it can prove the correct pre-employment checks were carried out.

Gail Adams, UK Border Agency regional director, said: "We are working hard to pull the plug on the illegal jobs which lure illegal immigrants to come to the UK in the first place.

"Illegal working is unfair on honest employers who recruit staff with the right to work in the UK and who pay them a proper salary.

"Employers who don't play by the rules will get struck off our register, lose the right to recruit staff from outside Europe, face on- the-spot fines and could potentially end up in jail."

Guidance for employers on preventing illegal working can be found on the UK Border Agency website, www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/
employingmigrants or by calling the UK Border Agency Employers Helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed in Leicestershire should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where anonymity can be assured.