The UK government is tightening rules on illegal working in the Gig Economy. Now, new laws will require ‘gig economy’ businesses to check their workers’ immigration status. Then, this will bring them in line with traditional employers.
For the first time, companies hiring zero-hours and gig workers must verify that individuals have the right to work in the UK. In a major Government crackdown, sectors such as construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services will be directly affected.
These checks are quick and free. They confirm a worker’s immigration status in minutes. Despite their simplicity, many businesses have not been required to complete them until now.
Tougher Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies that fail to carry out checks will face severe consequences. The penalties include:
- Fines up to £60,000 per illegal worker
- Business closures
- Director disqualifications
- Up to five years in prison
These measures aim to level the playing field. In other words, ompanies following the law should not be undercut by those exploiting illegal labour. Leading firms, for instance Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats, already carry out these checks voluntarily.
A Stronger Immigration System
Clamping down on illegal working in the gig economy is part of a wider effort to strengthen immigration controls. The government is increasing enforcement actions and this means more raids and arrests. Returns of individuals with no right to remain have reached their highest level in five years.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper speaks
Yvette Cooper, The Home Secretary, commented “We are restoring order to the asylum and immigration system. Tougher laws will stop rogue employers and illegal working, which fuel criminal networks and people smugglers.”
Industry Support for New Laws
Business leaders in the gig economy support these changes. Claire Pointon, Managing Director of Just Eat UK, welcomed the decision:
“Preventing unauthorised work is key to maintaining a fair and well-regulated sector.”
A Deliveroo spokesperson highlighted their proactive approach:
“We take our responsibilities seriously and continue to strengthen our controls against illegal working.”
Uber Eats echoed this sentiment, stating their commitment to fighting illegal work through advanced verification measures.
Enhanced Enforcement and Technology
The Home Office is also investing in new enforcement tools. From May, immigration officers will wear body cameras to collect evidence against non-compliant businesses. This initiative, backed by £5 million, will support prosecutions and strengthen accountability.
Since July, Immigration Enforcement teams have ramped up operations:
- 6,784 illegal working visits
- 4,779 arrests (a 42% increase from the previous year)
- 1,508 civil penalty notices issued
The government is also introducing stricter controls on foreign criminals who cannot yet be deported. Electronic tags, curfews, and exclusion zones will help monitor their movements. Breaching these conditions could lead to arrest and imprisonment.
Global Action on Immigration Crime
The crackdown on illegal working coincides with the UK’s first-ever Organised Immigration Crime Summit. Over 40 countries will meet to tackle criminal smuggling networks and strengthen global enforcement efforts.
The message is clear: illegal working will not be tolerated. The government is stepping up enforcement, and businesses must comply. The new laws will protect workers, ensure fairness, and reinforce the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
More help with immigration issues
For more information on illegal working in the Gig Economy call Taylor Hampton Solicitors’ Immigration Service:
Please contact Leena Chouhan on +442074275972 or [email protected]
