In a bold move to address illegal working practices and tighten immigration controls, the UK government has launched a new phase in its UK delivery app illegal worker crackdown. The initiative involves major food delivery companies, including Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, working alongside the Home Office to combat illegal employment among asylum seekers housed in temporary accommodation.

By sharing data on hotel locations and stepping up identity checks, authorities and delivery firms are collaborating to identify and remove accounts suspected of being used illegally. This coordinated strategy is aimed at closing loopholes that allow people without the legal right to work in the UK to earn income through gig economy platforms. This campaign marks a significant escalation in the UK’s broader immigration enforcement efforts, which now target not only the smuggling networks bringing people into the country but also the digital ecosystems that may enable their illegal employment.

What’s Behind the Crackdown?

The foundation of the new approach lies in the UK’s immigration policy, which states that asylum seekers cannot work during the first 12 months of their stay or until their claim is approved. However, a growing number of reports suggest that individuals residing in hotels under government care are accessing gig work by using other people’s app accounts.

This creates a dual problem. First, it allows unauthorized work, bypassing the legal system. Second, it puts already vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation, often working under unsafe conditions with no formal employment protections. According to the Home Office, the new data-sharing measure is designed to prevent this illegal activity by allowing delivery platforms to spot unusual behavior, such as a high volume of account activity clustered around asylum hotels. These accounts may be flagged for further investigation and potentially removed.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “Illegal working undermines honest businesses, exploits vulnerable individuals, and fuels organised immigration crime. These new measures are critical in increasing enforcement and closing existing loopholes.”

How Are Delivery Companies Responding?

Leading delivery companies have welcomed the initiative and are cooperating closely with government authorities. In recent months, platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have upgraded their account verification processes. This includes improved ID checks, real-time facial recognition, and stricter login monitoring to ensure that only verified users are accessing the apps.

So far, these internal enforcement upgrades have led to the removal of thousands of suspicious accounts. The companies believe that with access to relevant location data from the Home Office, they can become even more effective in preventing the misuse of their platforms. A spokesperson for one of the firms noted that they are committed to maintaining the integrity of their platform and that this partnership helps ensure only those with the legal right to work can use their services. This reinforces trust with customers and partners alike. By combining their efforts, both the government and the private sector are sending a strong message that the UK’s illegal worker crackdown will be taken seriously.

What Role Does Data Sharing Play?

At the core of this new policy is targeted data sharing. The government will now provide delivery companies with the addresses of hotels currently housing asylum seekers. This data enables platforms to monitor whether delivery riders are frequently operating in those areas and whether their activity aligns with legal usage patterns.

For instance, an account that regularly logs deliveries near multiple asylum hotels may indicate account sharing or unauthorised access. Combined with real-time data analytics and identity verification, this location intelligence enhances the platforms’ ability to detect illegal work. This level of cross-sector collaboration reflects a larger shift in immigration enforcement, moving from reactive to proactive monitoring, leveraging technology and data to address violations more efficiently. Read another article on Backdoor Immigration to the UK

What Other Enforcement Measures Are Being Introduced?

Alongside the delivery app crackdown, the UK government is rolling out broader actions to deter illegal migration and human smuggling. A newly released sanctions list names 25 individuals and organisations accused of facilitating illegal entry into the UK. These include actors across international smuggling chains, from those supplying small boats in Southeast Asia to forged document distributors and gang leaders operating in regions like the Balkans and North Africa.

These entities are believed to play key roles in transporting migrants through lorries and across small boat routes, as well as arranging illicit payments and producing fake travel documents. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the sanctions as a landmark moment in the fight against international trafficking networks. He stated that the message to gangs exploiting migration routes is clear—the UK knows who they are and will work with global partners to bring them to justice.

These efforts support the broader UK delivery app illegal worker crackdown, ensuring that enforcement is consistent both at the borders and within domestic labour markets.

Will the Measures Be Effective in the Long Term?

While the government has expressed confidence, migration policy experts have urged caution. A leading analyst noted that although these steps are significant, their overall impact may be limited unless paired with broader structural reforms. The scale of the issue is large, and focusing on individual accounts or sanctioning traffickers will only address part of the problem.

However, these actions may serve as a meaningful deterrent and reduce the risk of exploitation, especially in the short term. By increasing visibility into where and how illegal working is taking place, these measures could play a key role in restoring order to the asylum and immigration process. They also help reduce the demand for smuggling services, as fewer employment opportunities exist for those without legal work status.

How Does This Impact the Gig Economy?

The gig economy has long operated with a degree of flexibility that allows users to work on demand. While this model brings convenience and independence, it has also created vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to identity misuse and enforcement of right-to-work laws.

The UK delivery app illegal worker crackdown may help restore accountability across platforms, protecting both lawful workers and businesses that follow the rules. It may also encourage other sectors to strengthen their compliance practices and align more closely with immigration regulations. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the gig economy continues to thrive legally and transparently, without enabling exploitation or unlawful activity.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Illegal Migration

The UK’s latest crackdown represents a well-coordinated effort to address illegal working through both technological innovation and legal enforcement. By partnering with private-sector platforms, increasing sanctions on international criminal networks, and sharing actionable data, the government is creating a more robust framework for immigration control.

While challenges remain, especially in detecting all instances of unlawful work, the UK delivery app illegal worker crackdown is a step forward. It shows that addressing illegal migration is no longer just about border security—it’s about monitoring what happens after people arrive.

The success of these measures will depend on continuous collaboration, responsive policy adjustments, and the ethical use of technology. For now, however, the direction is clear: stronger oversight, smarter enforcement, and a fairer system for all.