Reform UK has announced plans to introduce what it is calling 'the harshest penalties in the world for those employing illegal migrants,' including jail time for company executives. The party, led by Nigel Farage, pledges to introduce 'The Deliveroo Law,' named in reference to claims that illegal migrants use delivery apps to earn money. Under this proposal, CEOs and directors of large companies would be held personally and criminally liable for employing illegal workers, regardless of their awareness of the workers' legal status. This liability would be comparable to that for senior managers overseeing financial misconduct.
Reform UK stated that fines collected under the proposed law, which would amount to 10% of a company's global revenues, would be directed towards victims of migrant crime and for the regeneration of local high streets. The party's Home Affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, argued that current penalties by the Conservative and Labour parties have made Britain a "soft-touch country" for illegal migrants, leading to undercutting of British workers and funding of people smugglers.
In addition to the 'Deliveroo Law,' Reform UK plans to establish a 'Turkish Barbers tip line.' This initiative would enable the public to report suspected illegal working or organized criminal activity on the high street. Local law enforcement agencies would be incentivized to act on these tips by receiving a share of any fines generated.
These proposals come as the UK government has been working to close loopholes that allow illegal migrants to work in the country. In July, new legislation was introduced making it a legal requirement for all employers to verify the work status of their employees, including those in the gig economy. Previously, in April 2024, delivery companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats agreed to enhance checks on account sharing to prevent individuals without the right to work in the UK from being employed.
A spokesperson for Deliveroo stated that illegal working should be addressed and that the company has been proactive in combating criminals who exploit their platform. They highlighted their implementation of right-to-work checks, daily identity verifications, and fraud-detection technology. The Home Office also commented, noting that existing measures include extending right-to-work checks to the gig economy and that employers found to be breaking the law face severe consequences, including substantial fines, business closures, and prison sentences of up to five years.