Take-away association wants quota system for unskilled workers

The Chinese Takeaway Association UK (CTA) is calling on the Government to introduce a quota system to allow the sector to employ unskilled workers from the Far East.

The association believes that a sector-based scheme (SBS) would allow Chinese take-aways to employ unskilled workers and prevent the use of illegal immigrants.

CTA chairman Thomas Chan said: "Chinese take-aways are targeted every week by immigration officials. An SBS scheme would help the sector."

The association carried out a survey of 75 restaurants and take-aways in Stirling, Scotland, last year and found some employing a mixture of illegal and legal workers.

These included asylum seekers, without valid permits to work, and some illegal Chinese immigrants.

Meanwhile, two Chinese take-aways in Lancaster have been found employing illegal immigrants by an investigation by immigration officials and Lancashire police force.

The raid at Wok Express and Golden Jade led to nine arrests and seven people will be deported after they were found to be residing in the UK illegally.

CAPTION: Chinese restaurants need to be able to employ unskilled workers