The UK government launched a major operation targeting gig economy sectors to tackle illegal work across multiple regions nationwide effectively.
Over a recent seven-day national operation, 171 individuals were arrested for working unlawfully, with 60 delivery riders detained for removal from the UK. This operation spanned villages, towns, and cities, reflecting the Home Office’s commitment to a widespread enforcement initiative against unauthorized employment.
Delivery Sector Hotspots
The crackdown particularly targeted delivery services, including companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, which have experienced rising unauthorized activity. Some riders were discovered using shared accounts to bypass employment regulations, while others had no legal right to work in the UK. This sector has become a major hotspot for illegal work practices, as flexible gig employment creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
The government’s approach demonstrates that work is not only a legal concern but also a social and economic issue, affecting legitimate businesses and undermining local community standards.
Illegal Work Among Restaurant and Delivery Staff
Cases in Restaurants
During enforcement operations, Chinese nationals working at a Solihull restaurant were arrested, showing that unauthorized employment also affects hospitality sectors. Home Office officers conducted arrests on the spot, emphasizing proactive enforcement of illegal work laws.
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Cases in Delivery Services
Delivery riders of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality were apprehended in Newham, east London, and Norwich, Norfolk, many operating illegally while using rented or shared accounts. Experts note that the gig economy’s flexible contracts can inadvertently facilitate unauthorized employment, making monitoring and compliance critical to reducing work in these sectors.
The arrests underscore the government’s determination to eliminate work across multiple industries, including restaurants and delivery platforms, protecting law-abiding businesses and workers.
Illegal Work Enforcement Figures Reach Record Levels
Rising Arrests
Over the past year, Home Office statistics indicate a significant rise in enforcement, reflecting serious efforts to combat illegal nationwide. Between September of last year and this year, 8,232 illegal worker arrests were recorded, up 63% from 5,043 in the previous 12 months.
Removals and Smuggling Statistics
Nearly 50,000 people with no right to remain in the UK have been removed since July 2024, while arrests, convictions, and seizures linked to people smuggling increased by 33%. These figures demonstrate the scale of illegal and highlight the need for stricter monitoring, enforcement, and community protection. Experts indicate that cracking down on unauthorized employment also disrupts the criminal networks that facilitate such activity.
Illegal Work and Collaboration with Delivery Firms
Facial Recognition Checks
The Home Office has partnered with delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to curb unauthorized employment, implementing randomized facial recognition checks. These checks ensure riders’ identities match their accounts, preventing account-sharing that facilitates illegal.
Monitoring Hotspots
Delivery firms also receive information on asylum hotel locations, helping identify potential hotspots for illegal employment. Combining technology with targeted oversight ensures effective monitoring while protecting legitimate riders. This cooperation demonstrates how public and private sectors can jointly tackle illegal work efficiently.
Illegal Work and the Asylum System
Employment Restrictions for Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers are generally prohibited from undertaking paid employment during their first year or until their applications are approved. Despite these restrictions, unauthorized workers have sometimes rented accounts from legitimate riders, engaging in illegal work in the gig economy.
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Reforms to the Asylum System
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced reforms to make the UK less attractive for illegal migration. Measures include enhanced monitoring, stricter enforcement, and removal of unauthorized workers. Some reforms also propose requiring asylum seekers to volunteer, which the government claims provides experience while discouraging illegal.
Though charities have criticized these measures as potentially exploitative, the government maintains they are necessary to prevent unauthorized employment and protect both communities and legitimate businesses.
Illegal Work and Legislative Measures
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act provides strong tools to address illegal. The legislation closes loopholes allowing casual, temporary, or subcontracted workers to bypass right-to-work checks. Employers failing to comply face up to five years in prison, fines of £60,000 per illegal worker, and potential business closure.
Employer Incentives for Compliance
The law encourages companies to implement rigorous employment checks, particularly in sectors prone to casual or gig-based contracts. These measures reduce opportunities for unauthorized employment while promoting lawful practices and protecting community integrity.
Illegal Work and High Street Crime
Criminal Exploitation of Businesses
The crackdown revealed that some criminals use legitimate-looking establishments, including restaurants and shops, to conceal illegal activities such as money laundering and illegal work operations. This exploitation undermines honest business owners and disrupts local economies.
Asset Recovery and Community Protection
Government actions have recovered £300 million in criminal assets and empowered communities to block undesirable businesses. Tackling illegal work safeguards local economies, ensures fair competition, and prevents exploitation in vulnerable sectors.
Illegal Work Cases Across the UK
Solihull Operation
On 15 November, two Chinese nationals were arrested at The Jade Wok restaurant in Solihull, both detained for removal, highlighting strict enforcement in hospitality.
Newham Operation
On 17 November, four Bangladeshi and Indian delivery riders were arrested in Newham, all detained for removal, showing widespread illegal work in the delivery sector.
Norwich Operation
On 25 November, three Indian delivery riders were arrested in Norwich. Two were detained for removal, and one was placed on strict immigration bail. These operations demonstrate the nationwide scope of efforts against illegal work in both restaurants and gig economy sectors.
Illegal Work and Government Messaging
Official Statements
Border Security Minister Alex Norris said: “These results should send a clear message: if you are working illegally in this country, you will be arrested and removed.”
Reducing Incentives for Unauthorized Work
The crackdown is part of the most sweeping changes to illegal migration in modern times, designed to discourage unauthorized employment and expand removals. By targeting high-risk sectors, the government eliminates exploitative labor practices and protects legitimate employers from unfair competition.
Illegal Work and Employer Accountability
Employer Obligations
Employers are now strictly responsible for preventing illegal work within their businesses. Failing to perform right-to-work checks can result in imprisonment, fines, or business closure.
Corporate Compliance Programs
Many companies are investing in internal compliance programs and staff training to ensure legal employment practices are followed. Holding employers accountable is essential for reducing unauthorized employment and safeguarding both workers and lawful businesses.
Illegal Work Deterrence and Policy Reforms
Government Initiatives
The Home Office has introduced stricter regulations for the gig economy, monitoring high-risk sectors, collaborating with delivery firms, and implementing asylum system reforms.
Reducing Opportunities for Illegal
These initiatives aim to protect communities, uphold UK labor and immigration laws, and reduce the prevalence of illegal work, ensuring a fair and lawful employment environment.
Illegal Work and Community Protection
Protecting Communities
The government focuses on safeguarding communities impacted by unauthorized employment. Tackling high street crime and supporting legitimate businesses helps restore confidence in local economies.
Monitoring Hotspots
Efforts to monitor illegal work hotspots, recover criminal assets, and close loopholes prevent unlawful labor practices from undermining community well-being. Public awareness of the social and economic impact of illegal further strengthens enforcement efforts.
Illegal Work in Summary
The nationwide crackdown underscores the UK government’s determination to tackle illegal work across the gig economy, restaurants, and other vulnerable sectors. Record arrests, legislative reforms, and collaboration with delivery companies send a clear message: unlawful employment will not be tolerated.
By combining enforcement, legislation, and community protection measures, the government aims to deter unauthorized work, protect legitimate businesses, and maintain the integrity of the UK labor market. Continued focus on compliance ensures that workers and employers understand the consequences of illegal, fostering safer and law-abiding communities throughout the UK.
FAQs
- What is considered illegal work in the UK?
This is employment by someone without legal permission to work, including asylum seekers before approval or people using false accounts. - Which sectors are most affected by illegal work?
The gig economy, especially delivery services like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, and hospitality such as restaurants, see the highest cases. - What are the penalties for working illegally in the UK?
Individuals can be arrested and deported, while employers face up to five years in prison, £60,000 fines per worker, and business closure. - How does the UK government detect work?
Through enforcement operations, facial recognition checks, monitoring asylum hotel locations, and collaboration with delivery companies to prevent account sharing. - Can asylum seekers work in the UK legally?
They are generally not allowed to work for the first 12 months or until applications are approved but can volunteer legally.
