AN INDIAN restaurant in Newton Mearns was found to be employing five illegal workers during a raid by the Home Office.

The workers were caught during an immigration swoop at the India Ivy restaurant in the East Renfrewshire town's Ayr Road.

A 22-year-old woman, and three men, aged 20, 25 and 36, were all found to be working in breach of their visa conditions.

And a fourth man - age 30 - was found to be in the country illegally.

A four figure sum of money and false documents were also found during the operation and inquiries are ongoing.

All five offenders are currently in detention while steps are taken to remove them from the country.

Adam Scarcliffe, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: "Illegal working undercuts honest employers, defrauds the public purse and cheats legitimate job hunters out of opportunities.

"We are happy to work with employers to explain the checks that need to be carried out to establish a person's right to work in the UK.

"The message to those who choose to ignore the rules is clear. We will find you and you will face a heavy financial penalty.

"I would ask anyone with specific and detailed information about suspected illegal working to get in touch."

The owner of the business will be issued with a notice of potential liability of up to £10,000 per illegal worker - and also faces a £50,000 fine.

The immigration officers act on tip-offs from the public and other sources and carry out raids at both businesses and private addresses.

According to the Home Office, the fact that overall migration has fallen by a third since its peak in 2010 shows it is bringing immigration back under control.

stef.lach@ eveningtimes.co.uk