Takeaway owner in Loddon denies Home Office reports of 'modern-day slavery'
The Raj was raided by an immigration enforcement team as part of an “intelligence-led” operation in October
The owner of an Indian restaurant in Norfolk that was raided by immigration enforcement has denied reports that he was engaging in “modern-day slavery”.
The Raj in Loddon was raided by an immigration enforcement team as part of an “intelligence-led” operation in October and two men were arrested.
Mohammed Uddin, the manager of the business, is waiting to learn the fate of his premises licence following a review by South Norfolk Council.
Mr Uddin said: “I’ve been running this restaurant for many years and I haven’t experienced anything like this in my life.
“I was so scared when the officers arrived, there were so many of them. It caused me to say things I did not mean.”
The investigation found there were two illegal workers at the premises, out of a total of four staff members, at the time of the raid. The Home Office also found that Mr Uddin compensates his workers by giving them food, rather than financial payment.
The report added this is “effectively modern-day slavery” – regardless of whether there was willingness from the employees to carry out the work.
Mr Uddin told South Norfolk Council that the men were there to do some cash-in-hand cleaning jobs, and had never worked at the restaurant before.
He said the food was given as a courtesy, rather than payment, and denied any reports of slavery.
Jack Davis, representing the Home Office, said there were “a glaring number of inconsistencies” in Mr Uddin’s story.
He said: “He hasn’t satisfied me and there are concerns for the business in the future. The decision of the council depends on the kind of message they want to send.”
South Norfolk Council requested five working days to deliberate on its verdict.
Mr Uddin added: “I have now understood that I must do the proper checks for anyone coming to do any kind of work.
“I want to thank everyone in Loddon. All of the local people have supported me.”