Reform UK is drawing attention to the issue of undocumented migrants working in the gig economy, proposing stricter regulations and penalties for companies that hire them. The party's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, has advocated for criminal penalties for company directors and delivery platforms that employ individuals without the legal right to work.
Yusuf stated that "Labor and Tory weakness allowed a migrant shanty town to rise in the middle of the capital," referring to an encampment of delivery riders, many of whom are Sudanese migrants, living under a bridge in Shoreditch, London. He claims that previous governments have fostered an environment where illegal migrants enter the national economy, potentially driving down wages and supporting people-smuggling operations.
Under Reform UK's proposed legislation, dubbed the "Deliveroo law," chief executives and directors of large companies would be held personally and criminally liable for illegal working. The party also suggests incentivizing public tip-offs regarding shops employing illegal workers, with financial rewards funded by fines imposed on non-compliant companies.
The Home Office responded by stating that it is already increasing penalties for companies hiring illegal workers, with a source describing some of Reform UK's proposals as "empty posturing." Deliveroo has stated it is "yet to receive evidence confirming these individuals have gained access to our platform illegally" but is increasing monitoring in the area. The company also noted its "zero tolerance approach to illegal working on the platform" and its collaboration with the Home Office.
Gopuff echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing its "zero tolerance for illegal working" and its plan to introduce facial verification technology for account holders and substitutes starting October 1, in line with new Home Office requirements. The company stated that all account holders undergo a right-to-work check upon registration.
The issue of "account renting," where individuals legally permitted to work sublet their accounts to others, is highlighted as a method to bypass checks. One migrant from Sudan told reporters that sharing accounts is "easy" and allows them to work when they choose, explaining that he came to the UK for a better life and cannot find work through other means.
Reports from locals in Shoreditch describe the encampment as a place with "people urinating in the street, drug use and terrified locals." Residents have reported drug dealing, open drug use, and intimidation, with some avoiding the area due to safety concerns and unpleasant odors. Another resident noted that while the men were housed elsewhere over Christmas, they have returned.
Similar encampments of delivery riders have also been reported in other parts of London, including Clissold Park in Stoke Newington, where tents and delivery bags have been observed. The presence of these encampments has led to local complaints and challenges to authorities attempting to manage public spaces.