UK Cracks Down on Illegal Working, Focuses on Delivery Sector
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The UK government is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal working, with a particular focus on the food delivery industry and a significant increase in arrests. New measures, including expanded right-to-work checks and data sharing with delivery companies, are being implemented as officials aim to “send a clear message” to those working without authorization.
The Home Office announced a recent surge in enforcement activity, resulting in the arrest of individuals across the country. Cases highlighted include two Chinese nationals apprehended at a restaurant in Solihull, four delivery riders of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality in Newham, east London, and three riders of Indian nationality in Norwich. Seven of those arrested have been “detained for removal,” according to the Home Office.
Rising Arrests and New Legislation
The government’s crackdown comes amid growing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable workers and the circumvention of immigration laws. A senior official stated that the action is intended to “root out this criminality from our communities.” Last year alone, authorities made 8,000 arrests for illegal working – a 63% increase compared to the previous 12 months.
This intensified enforcement is being bolstered by new legislation. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will expand right-to-work checks to encompass the gig economy, specifically targeting delivery riders. This move aims to address loopholes that have allowed individuals to operate outside of legal employment frameworks.
Account Sharing and Asylum Seeker Regulations
Concerns about illicit activity within the delivery sector were initially raised earlier this year when reports surfaced regarding the rental of delivery accounts. The Sun newspaper reported that individuals arriving via the English Channel were able to rent accounts from legitimate workers through social media groups, effectively facilitating illegal work. The government at the time characterized this practice as “illicit account sharing.”
To proactively address these issues, the Home Office has begun sharing the locations of asylum hotels with food delivery companies. This data sharing is intended to help companies “monitor hotspots for illegal working” and identify potential violations.
Currently, asylum seekers are generally prohibited from undertaking paid employment during their first 12 months in the UK, or until their asylum application is approved. However, they are permitted to engage in volunteering activities.
Compulsory Volunteering Proposal Faces Opposition
In September, a proposal was put forward suggesting that volunteering should become compulsory for asylum seekers seeking permanent settlement status. However, this idea has met with significant resistance. More than 300 charities penned an open letter to the Home Secretary last month, refusing to comply with the proposals and labeling the move as “exploitation.”
Delivery companies are also responding to the increased scrutiny. Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have all announced enhancements to their verification processes, including increased randomized facial checks to ensure riders match the account holders.
The government’s actions signal a firm commitment to tackling illegal working and strengthening border security. The long-term impact of these measures, and the potential consequences for both employers and vulnerable workers, remain to be seen.
