A SHOP worker is under investigation as part of immigration checks being carried out by officials.

Immigration Enforcement officers assisted Durham Constabulary on a police-led visit to Sacriston News and Booze at about 6pm on Saturday, January 12. Checks suggest a 53-year-old Indian man had entered the country illegally and had no permission to work.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said: “He was ordered to report to Immigration Enforcement on a regular basis while his case is progressed.

“The business was served a civil penalty referral notice which warns that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found could be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.”