UK Launches Major Crackdown, Plans to deport Dozens of Delivery Riders Working Illegally
London - The UK government announced a notable escalation in its efforts to combat illegal working, with plans to deport approximately 60 delivery riders identified in a recent crackdown. The operation, led by the Home Office, targeted individuals working for food delivery companies across England, resulting in multiple arrests and detentions.
The move comes amid growing concerns about illicit account sharing enabling asylum seekers and others working without authorization to gain employment in the gig economy. Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that November’s action ought to “send a clear message: if you are working illegally in this country, you will be arrested and removed.” The government is also tightening laws to address illegal working specifically within the delivery sector.
The Home Office highlighted arrests in Solihull, where two Chinese nationals where apprehended at a restaurant, in Newham, east London, where four riders of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality were arrested, and in Norwich, where three riders of Indian nationality were detained. Seven of those arrested are currently ”detained for removal.”
Existing regulations prevent asylum seekers from undertaking paid work for the first 12 months in the UK, or until their asylum application is approved.However, reports surfaced earlier this year - notably in The Sun newspaper – detailing how individuals were renting delivery accounts from legitimate workers through social media platforms, facilitating “illicit account sharing.”
To proactively address the issue, the Home Office has begun sharing the locations of asylum hotels with food delivery companies to help “monitor hotspots for illegal working.” Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber eats have responded by increasing randomized facial checks to verify riders’ identities against account details.
The crackdown is supported by a 63% increase in arrests for illegal working last year, totaling 8,000, according to the Home Office. Legislative changes are also underway with the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which will expand right-to-work checks to include the gig economy and delivery riders.
While paid employment is restricted, asylum seekers are permitted to volunteer. A recent proposal by Conservative MP, Tim Loughton, suggested making volunteering compulsory for asylum seekers seeking permanent settlement status. However, this proposal has faced strong opposition, with over 300 charities signing an open letter vowing non-compliance, labeling the move as “exploitation.”
