UK Clamps Down On Illegal Workers Via Right-To-Work Scheme Extension

Businesses operating in the gig economy and those hiring zero-hours workers are set to face stricter regulations under new UK government measures aimed at tackling illegal employment.

Through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, the government will expand its enforcement of right-to-work checks to verify the legal work status of gig economy and zero-hours workers, including those hired as couriers and contractors in the food delivery and warehousing sectors.

The new requirement follows reports in the media of migrants entering the UK and apparently using a self-employed status while working for food delivery groups and other businesses in the gig economy, reported The Financial Times.

While it is a criminal offence for migrants to work illegally, only companies using traditional employer-to-employee contracts are obliged to verify someone’s immigration status and whether it permits them to work in the UK. 

Previously, companies using online apps to offer work have not been obliged to follow right-to-work checks since they classify such workers as self-employed contractors, noted the FT.

However, the new laws close a loophole to ensure illegal workers cannot flout the rules in the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy, according to a Home Office press release.

A six-week consultation on the Right to Work changes has been published for employers to put forward their views on how to shape the guidance and its enforcement.

The proposed regulations will obligate gig economy firms, where there are higher levels of illegal migrants seeking work, to carry out checks ensuring their workers are eligible to work in the UK. 

Employers who fail to conduct these checks could be jailed for up to five years, face fines of £60,000 per illegal worker, and have their businesses closed.

Largest Crackdown Since Records Began 

The moves forms part of a wider UK crackdown on unlawful migrant labour in response to rising political concern about the scale of the issue. 

Last month the government announced the introduction of digital ID to further ensure people can only work in the UK if they have permission.

New Home Office figures show that more than 8,000 illegal migrants have been arrested after 11,000 raids were carried out between October 2024 and September 2025.

Marking the largest enforcement crackdown on illegal working since records began, the data reveals a significant year-on-year increase of 63% and 51% for arrests and visits, respectively. 

Over 1,050 foreign nationals encountered on these operations have been removed from the country, the Home Office noted. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said she will do "whatever it takes to secure Britain’s borders”. 

“Illegal working creates an incentive for people attempting to arrive in this country illegally,” Mahmood commented. “No more. Those found to be illegally working in beauty salons, car washes and as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained and removed from this country.”

The government said it is working closely with industry partners including food delivery giants Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats, who have strengthened ID verification checks across their platforms. 

The Home Office has also implemented a data sharing agreement with these firms to securely share locations of hotels used for asylum accommodation in a bid to catch asylum seekers working illegally as delivery riders.