UK Home Office has entered a formal agreement with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats to intensify action against illegal working in the food delivery sector. The collaboration will see the government share key data such as the locations of asylum accommodation with the companies, enabling better identification of unauthorised account usage. Delivery riders found sharing their accounts with individuals who lack the legal right to work in the UK will face swift suspension under strengthened enforcement measures.
Improved Security and Detection Measures
The companies have already taken steps to combat illegal account sharing, including real-time identity verification and facial recognition. However, the new agreement goes further by allowing firms to detect misuse more effectively and act quickly on suspected fraud.
The move follows a ministerial roundtable last month, during which the firms committed to implementing stronger verification systems and fraud detection tools.
Government Position on Enforcement
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the development, stating:
“Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organised immigration crime.
By enhancing our data sharing with delivery companies, we are taking decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement.”
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, added:
“This next step of co-ordinated working with delivery firms will help us target those who seek to work illegally in the gig economy and exploit their status in the UK.
My teams will continue to carry out increased enforcement activity across the UK and I welcome this additional tool to disrupt and stop the abuse of our immigration system.”
Industry Response and Support
All three delivery companies have pledged ongoing support. For instance, a Deliveroo spokesperson highlighted their sector-leading approach to platform security. Meanwhile, Just Eat emphasised the importance of closing loopholes and in addition, stressed the value of robust data-sharing practices. Furthermore, Uber Eats confirmed its continued investment in technology designed to detect and remove fraudulent users.
Wider Government Crackdown
This agreement is part of a broader campaign to tackle illegal working under the Plan for Change. The past year has seen over 10,000 enforcement visits across sectors, resulting in more than 7,000 arrests. Civil penalties for illegal employment have also surged by 80% compared to the same period last year.
Upcoming Legislative Reforms
A key legislative change is on the horizon via the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Under the new law, all businesses including gig economy platforms, will be legally required to verify that individuals have the right to work before engaging them.
This sits alongside wider border security reforms, including a new UK-France returns agreement and the return of 35,000 individuals with no right to remain in the UK over the past year.
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