Home Office crackdown on illegal working via delivery apps
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a nationwide immigration enforcement crackdown targeting illegal working in the gig economy.
Officers will conduct checks in hotspots across the UK, focusing on asylum seekers suspected of working as delivery riders without permission.
Following discussions with ministers, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat will increase facial verification and fraud checks on their platforms.
Asylum seekers found working illegally risk losing state support, while businesses employing them face fines of up to £60,000 per worker and potential prison sentences.
The initiative aims to counter a 'pull factor' for illegal immigration, with the Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticising the government for delayed action.