In a significant step to strengthen the UK’s Immigration Rules, the government has announced stringent new measures targeting illegal working and exploitative employers in the gig economy. The reforms, unveiled on 30 March 2025, aim to close existing loopholes in the Immigration Rules that have allowed some businesses to bypass employment checks, ensuring fairer competition and cracking down on organised immigration crime.
New Legal Requirements for Gig Employers
Under the updated laws, companies hiring gig workers including those in construction, food delivery, beauty services and courier sectors must now verify the right to work of every individual operating under their name. Previously, many businesses employing casual or zero-hours workers were exempt from these checks, creating opportunities for illegal employment.
The Home Office insists that employers complete these mandatory checks digitally, a process that takes just minutes. Firms failing to comply will face severe penalties, including fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, forced business closures, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.
Levelling the Playing Field for Honest Businesses
The crackdown is designed to support law-abiding employers who already adhere to right-to-work regulations. Major delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats have welcomed the move, having already implemented voluntary checks to prevent illegal working on their platforms.
Claire Pointon, Managing Director of Just Eat UK and Ireland, stated: “Preventing unauthorised work is crucial for a fair and well-regulated delivery sector. We have introduced biometric checks to swiftly remove unauthorised workers and fully support the Home Office’s decision to extend these requirements across industries.”
Similarly, Deliveroo highlighted its proactive measures, including daily identity verification and device checks, while Uber Eats praised the government’s push for sector-wide compliance.
Strengthening Immigration Enforcement
The announcement aligns with broader efforts to dismantle people-smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable migrants with false promises of UK employment. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed: “Ignoring illegal working only empowers criminal gangs profiting from dangerous crossings and labour exploitation. These laws ensure fairness and enforce accountability.”
From May 2025, Immigration Enforcement officers will wear body cameras, backed by £5 million in funding, to collect evidence for prosecutions. Since July 2024, enforcement has intensified, with 6,784 illegal working raids, 4,779 arrests (a 40% year-on-year increase), and over 1,500 civil penalties issued.
Conclusion: A Firmer Stance on Compliance
This legislative shift marks a pivotal moment in the government’s strategy to restore integrity to the UK’s labour and Immigration Rules. By holding rogue employers accountable and closing gaps in gig economy regulation, the Home Office aims to deter illegal migration while protecting lawful businesses and workers.
For employers, the message is clear: compliance with the Immigration Rules is no longer optional. With rigorous checks now universal, the government is ensuring that those who flout the rules face swift and severe consequences.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
