A Whitland takeaway has been fined £5,000 after it was caught employing an illegal worker.

Immigration officers from the UK Border Agency went to Barbucci in St. John's Street, on August 13 last year, after receiving intelligence of illegal working.

A 28-year-old Bangladeshi man, who had no legal right to be employed in the UK, was found cooking food in the takeaway's kitchen.

Officers served Barbucci with an on-the-spot notice, warning the employers they may receive a large fine unless proof was provided that the necessary document checks were carried out (such as asking for passports or work permits) before hiring the man.

Insufficient evidence was provided and the employer has now been given a £5,000 civil penalty fine.

Jane Farleigh, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Wales and the South West, said: "This substantial fine shows how seriously we are taking the problem of illegal working.

"The use of illegal workers presents a serious risk to legitimate competition and is unfair on honest employers.

"The UK Border Agency works with employers so they understand the rules, but businesses have a responsibility to carry out the right checks before taking on migrant workers.

"If they don't, they could end up having to pay the kind of fine imposed on this employer."

The business has also been named on the UK Border Agency website which publishes the details of employers who have been found liable for a civil penalty.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/">http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Wales can contact the UK Border Agency on 029 2092 4727.