The UK government is set to introduce new legislation this autumn that will impose fines of up to £60,000 on delivery firms employing illegal workers. The measures, which take effect on October 1, aim to close existing loopholes by requiring all employers—including those operating within the gig economy and flexible working models—to carry out right to work checks on their staff.

Previously, these legal obligations applied primarily to traditional employment arrangements, but the new rules specifically target self-employed couriers and subcontractors commonly used by food delivery and construction companies. The government’s move follows an investigation revealing that some asylum seekers housed in Home Office hotels have been illegally working as bike couriers for major delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. Many of these individuals, barred from employment due to their immigration status, reportedly earned up to £500 weekly. The payments were said to be sent abroad to repay debts incurred by people-smuggling gangs that facilitated their journeys across the English Channel.

In response to the investigation, the companies involved introduced voluntary right to work checks on all account holders and substitutes three months ago. However, from October, these checks will become mandatory under the new legal framework. Companies found to be non-compliant will face substantial fines per illegal worker. Additionally, the government has strengthened enforcement powers, including the ability to disqualify company directors and impose prison sentences of up to five years for severe offenses.

Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum, emphasized that illegal employment undermines law-abiding businesses, exploits vulnerable individuals, and supports organised immigration crime. He stated that extending right to work checks to gig economy roles removes incentives for illegal working in the UK.

Data from immigration enforcement highlights significant abuse in affected sectors. Arrests related to illegal working in distribution and delivery roles increased by 217 percent last year compared to 2024, while the construction sector saw a 256 percent rise.

Eddy Montgomery, director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, confirmed that teams continue to work with businesses nationwide to ensure compliance with right to work legislation. He noted that the new measures will bolster enforcement capabilities and warned that breaches will be met with swift and appropriate action.