Reform UK has unveiled plans to impose hefty fines and potential jail sentences on bosses who employ illegal migrants, in a move aimed at cracking down on the black economy. Under the proposed "Deliveroo Law," companies could face fines equivalent to 10% of their global revenues, while directors could be held criminally liable even if they were unaware of their employees' immigration status.
Fines and Penalties
The fines would be substantial for major food delivery firms. For instance, JustEat's global revenue for the first half of 2025 was £1.51bn, which would result in a fine of £150m under the plan. The proposal comes amid revelations that asylum seekers have been using taxpayer-funded hotels as bases for working with delivery companies, and some have been caught renting out their accounts to other illegal migrants.
Reform UK's Stance
Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, criticized the current approach, saying: "The Tories and Labour have made Britain the softest-touch country in the world for illegal migrants to undercut British workers." He added: "Under a Reform Government, Britain will have the harshest penalties in the world for those employing illegal migrants."
Yusuf emphasized that bosses of companies employing illegal migrants would be sent to prison, and their companies fined 10% of their global revenues. He stated: "There are companies whose entire business model is based on profiting 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."
Comparison with Labour's Plan
Under Labour's current plan, directors face fines of up to £60,000 for every illegal worker they hire, with repeat offenders facing up to five years in prison. Reform's proposal goes further, aiming to introduce the toughest penalties anywhere in the world for illegal working.
