Illegal workers found at Dalston sweatshop making clothes for chain store Jane Norman

COPS swooped on a Dalston sweatshop and discovered fourteen illegal workers making clothes for popular high street chain Jane Norman.

Workers, 12 women and two men, from China, Turkey and Vietnam were taken away by the UK Borders Agency last Wednesday (September 16).

Some 24 UKBA and police officers raided Dila Ltd in Frederick Terrace just after noon, where they found 35 workers behind sewing machines, cutting patterns and attaching buttons.

The sweatshop's owner now faces a fine of up to £140,000.

Mabs Uddin, a UK Border Agency Inspector, said: "These arrests show our commitment to operations targeting businesses which employ illegal workers. It is a crime that not only undercuts local business, but also has a serious impact on local communities - taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

"We will act on any information received and if appropriate visit the place concerned to make arrests. We will not tolerate illegal working in East London."

UKBA said there was no suggestion that Jane Norman were involved in the employment of these individuals.