In a bold move to tackle illegal immigration, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to unleash a major crackdown on migrants working unlawfully within Britain's booming food delivery industry.
The sweeping new measures will force popular delivery platforms including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to implement rigorous immigration status checks, fundamentally changing how the gig economy verifies its workforce.
Closing the Loophole
Under current regulations, delivery firms can claim exemption from standard right-to-work verification requirements by classifying riders as self-employed contractors rather than direct employees. This legal grey area has created what immigration officials describe as a "significant vulnerability" in the system.
Mahmood's proposed legislation would slam shut this loophole, making platforms legally responsible for ensuring all delivery personnel possess valid UK work authorization.
Industry-Wide Impact
The crackdown represents the most significant regulatory intervention into the food delivery sector since its explosive growth during the pandemic. Industry insiders anticipate substantial operational changes as companies scramble to implement compliant verification systems.
Companies failing to conduct proper checks could face severe penalties, including substantial fines and potential criminal prosecution for repeated violations.
Broader Immigration Strategy
This initiative forms a crucial component of the government's comprehensive strategy to reduce illegal migration and protect lawful workers from exploitation. The Home Office believes targeting the gig economy will disrupt a major employment route for undocumented migrants while ensuring fair labour practices.
"We cannot allow digital platforms to become shadow employment channels that bypass our immigration laws," a Home Office source revealed. "This levels the playing field for legitimate workers and businesses alike."
Implementation Timeline
While the exact implementation date remains undisclosed, industry representatives have been notified to prepare for imminent changes. The transition period is expected to allow companies time to develop robust verification processes without disrupting service delivery.
The move has already sparked intense debate among business groups, migrant rights organizations, and labour advocates, setting the stage for a contentious parliamentary battle over the coming months.
