Sixty delivery riders, working under the radar, are facing deportation as the UK government intensifies its crackdown on illegal employment within the gig economy. The operation signals a significant shift in enforcement, targeting a sector previously seen as difficult to regulate.
New legislation is dismantling a loophole that allowed temporary or casual workers to bypass rigorous status verification. Employers now face severe consequences – up to £60,000 in fines *per* illegal worker discovered, potential five-year prison sentences, and the possibility of complete business closure.
The scale of the problem is becoming starkly apparent. Arrests for illegal work surged by 63% in the year leading up to September, with a total of 8,232 individuals apprehended. This dramatic increase underscores the government’s determination to address the issue head-on.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris delivered a firm warning: those working illegally will be arrested and removed from the country. He emphasized that the crackdown isn’t just about enforcement, but about closing loopholes and eliminating criminal activity within communities.
This latest action is part of a broader strategy spearheaded by the Home Secretary to significantly reduce migration numbers. The reforms aim to diminish the incentives that draw people to work and reside in the UK without authorization, while simultaneously increasing the number of deportations.
Beyond immigration enforcement, authorities have also recovered £300 million in criminal assets over the past year, targeting “dirty money” circulating within businesses. This demonstrates a commitment to dismantling the financial foundations of illegal operations.
The new regime will subject successful asylum applicants to regular reviews, granting leave to remain only as long as their home country is deemed unsafe. This represents a departure from previous policies, introducing a more conditional and time-limited approach to asylum.
The path to indefinite leave and citizenship will also become more challenging, though expedited for those who actively integrate into British society – through language acquisition, community involvement, and other demonstrable efforts. The government is signaling a preference for proactive participation.
Ministers have been studying the Danish model, where up to 95% of asylum seekers are turned away, as a potential blueprint for controlling immigration figures. This suggests a willingness to explore more restrictive policies, despite potential international scrutiny.
However, the plans have sparked concern among some MPs, who fear they may compromise the UK’s commitment to upholding human rights obligations. The balance between national security and international law is proving to be a delicate one.
Critics argue the enforcement efforts disproportionately target migrant workers. A BAME rights officer at the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain claims the arrests are aimed at black, brown, and migrant workers, regardless of their actual immigration status, fostering division within communities.
The crackdown raises complex questions about fairness, integration, and the rights of vulnerable workers. It’s a policy shift with far-reaching consequences, impacting not only those directly affected but also the broader social fabric of the UK.
