Over 275 locations were the target of a week-long operation that mostly targeted car washes. The government is cracking down on companies that hire illegal immigrants countrywide, and as a result, more than 80 illegal workers have been placed under arrest. 135 companies in all received notices for hiring undocumented labour. Police also arrested 85 undocumented workers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declared last month that as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal networks that bring the workers to the UK, the government would take harsh measures against firms who are employing illegal migrants.

In a statement, the government claimed that many times, undocumented labourers live in filthy circumstances on the job site, make far less money than the minimum wage in the UK, and put in more hours than is permitted by law.

The administration went on to say that further crackdowns of this kind would follow shortly. Employing unauthorised workers carries a maximum civil penalty of £45,000 for a first infringement and £60,000 for subsequent infractions. "It is totally wrong that shady employers can work hand in hand with the smuggling gangs who risk people's lives to bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books employment," stated Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

“These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance. We are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we have launched crackdowns such as this.

“While this operation marks an important step forward, our commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure those who break the rules face the full force of the law.”

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, Eddy Montgomery said: “This week’s operation shows how dedicated the Home Office is to protecting vulnerable people and holding employers accountable.

The Home Office did not mention how many Bangladeshis were among those detained.

Commenting on this matter, Md. Iqbal Hossain, Principal Barrister of Chancery Solicitors in London, told the Daily Dazzling Dawn Because of the raids, there is concern among Bangladeshis living in the country without valid documents or work permits and their relatives. He further said that if those who do not have valid documents for work or residence in Britain were granted legalisation under conditions without bringing people on different visas, then Britain's economy would benefit and Britain would get more tax and Ni contribution from the money they earned.