Reform UK has pledged to introduce a new law targeting company bosses who employ illegal migrants, with the threat of massive fines or imprisonment. Dubbed the 'Deliveroo Law', the legislation would make CEOs and directors of such firms—including multinationals—personally and criminally liable for any illegal workers, facing what the party describes as the 'harshest penalties in the world for those employing illegal migrants'.
Party's Stance and Proposals
Reform's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf criticised the Tories and Labour for making the UK the 'softest-touch country in the world for illegal migrants'. He said: 'There are companies whose entire business model is based on profiteering from illegal working. It is a slap in the face to the public. It makes a mockery of our immigration laws, takes jobs from British workers and is funding the people smugglers in the Channel.'
According to the Mail, the party has compared the proposals to the personal liability of senior managers for financial misconduct. Firms would be fined 10% of their global revenues, and top bosses could face jail time.
Deliveroo's Response
Deliveroo has hit back at Reform for using its name, saying it has 'led the industry' in tackling the issue and accusing the party of citing out-of-date data. A spokesperson said: 'Illegal working should absolutely be addressed, and that's why we've led the industry in cracking down on the sophisticated, organised criminals who attempt to abuse our platform. We run Right to Work checks on all riders, conduct multiple daily identity checks and use cutting-edge fraud-detection technology, and we'd encourage other industries affected by illegal working to do the same.'
The delivery firm also noted that the data used by Reform dates back to 2023 and does not reflect the current situation.
Additional Measures
Yusuf is also set to announce a 'Turkish Barbers tip line' to encourage the public to report high street businesses suspected of employing illegal workers or covering up organised criminal activity. Local police forces would receive a share of the fines generated, incentivising investigations. Currently, those found employing someone without the right to work face a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
