UK Deports 60 Delivery Riders Amid Illegal Work Crackdown
The UK has recently intensified its crackdown on illegal work within the delivery sector, leading to the deportation of 60 delivery riders. This measure aims to address the growing issue of individuals working unlawfully and to bolster enforcement against illegal employment.
Government’s Stance on Illegal Working
Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that the November operations should serve as a decisive warning. She emphasized that individuals engaged in illegal work would face arrest and removal from the country. The government is committed to tightening laws in the delivery sector to eliminate criminal activities.
Recent Arrests and Detentions
The Home Office has reported numerous arrests linked to illegal working. Notable incidents include:
- Two Chinese nationals detained in Solihull.
- Four delivery riders from Bangladesh and India apprehended in Newham, East London.
- Three Indian delivery riders arrested in Norwich.
Out of these, seven individuals have been marked for removal from the UK.
Challenges for Asylum Seekers
Asylum seekers are typically prohibited from undertaking paid work during their first year in the UK, until their claims are resolved. Earlier reports indicated that some were illegally renting delivery accounts from registered workers through social media platforms. This “illicit account sharing” has been identified as a factor contributing to illegal employment practices.
To combat this issue, the Home Office has begun sharing the locations of asylum accommodation with food delivery firms. This allows companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to monitor potential hotspots for illegal work more effectively.
Enhanced Measures and Legislative Changes
The government has noted a significant increase in enforcement, with 8,000 arrests made for illegal working in the past year—a 63% increase from the previous period. The new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill aims to extend right-to-work checks to the gig economy, impacting delivery riders significantly.
Despite restrictions on paid employment, asylum seekers are permitted to volunteer. In a controversial proposal, Government Minister Mahmood suggested that volunteering be made mandatory for those seeking permanent residency. This suggestion faced backlash, as over 300 charities expressed their disapproval in an open letter, labeling it as “exploitation.”
