Key Takeaways:
- The UK government is cracking down on illegal working in the delivery sector, particularly among asylum seekers
- Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in the UK during their first 12 months in the country, or until their asylum application is approved
- The government has made 8,000 arrests for illegal working in the last year, a 63% rise on the previous 12 months
- Food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats are increasing randomised facial checks to ensure riders match their account names
- Charities have opposed proposals to make volunteering compulsory for asylum seekers in order to be granted permanent settlement status
Introduction to the Crackdown on Illegal Working
The UK government has recently taken action to crack down on illegal working in the delivery sector, particularly among asylum seekers. According to a statement from the Home Office, the government is "tightening the law to clamp down on illegal working in the delivery sector to root out this criminality from our communities." This move is aimed at sending a clear message to those working illegally in the country that they will be arrested and removed. The Home Office has highlighted several cases of individuals arrested for illegal working, including two Chinese nationals at a restaurant in Solihull, four riders of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality in Newham, east London, and three riders of Indian nationality in Norwich.
Current Laws and Regulations
Asylum seekers are generally not allowed to undertake paid work during their first 12 months in the UK, or until their asylum application is approved. However, earlier this year, it was reported that Channel migrants were able to rent accounts from legitimate delivery firm workers via social media groups, allowing them to work illegally. The government has acknowledged that "illicit account sharing" has been facilitating illegal work, and has taken steps to address the issue. The Home Office has been sharing the locations of asylum hotels with food delivery companies so they can "monitor hotspots for illegal working". This move is aimed at preventing asylum seekers from working illegally in the delivery sector.
Measures to Prevent Illegal Working
Food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have also taken steps to prevent illegal working on their platforms. The companies have increased randomised facial checks to ensure that riders match their account names. This move is aimed at preventing individuals from using fake or rented accounts to work illegally. The Home Office has also reported that it has made 8,000 arrests for illegal working in the last year, a 63% rise on the previous 12 months. This suggests that the government is taking a tough stance on illegal working and is committed to enforcing the law.
Proposals for Asylum Seekers
In September, it was proposed that volunteering would become compulsory for asylum seekers in order to be granted permanent settlement status. However, this proposal has been met with opposition from charities, who have argued that it would be exploitative. Over 300 charities wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary, stating that they would not comply with the proposals. The charities argued that forcing asylum seekers to volunteer would be unfair and would undermine the principles of volunteering. The proposal has highlighted the challenges of balancing the need to support asylum seekers with the need to prevent illegal working and ensure that those who are in the UK are doing so legally.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The crackdown on illegal working in the delivery sector is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The government, food delivery companies, and charities all have a role to play in preventing illegal working and supporting asylum seekers. While the government’s efforts to enforce the law and prevent illegal working are welcome, it is also important to ensure that asylum seekers are treated fairly and with dignity. The proposal to make volunteering compulsory for asylum seekers has highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to supporting those who are seeking refuge in the UK. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a system that is fair, compassionate, and effective in preventing illegal working while also supporting those who are in need.