Thousands of Uber Eats couriers have been dismissed amid a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, following new agreements between the delivery platform and the Home Office.
The ride-sharing and food delivery giant confirmed that it has been blocking hundreds of accounts each month as part of an intensified right-to-work verification process. This move comes as delivery companies, including Deliveroo and Just Eat, face increasing pressure to prevent undocumented workers from abusing the system.
The core issue revolves around the platforms’ substitution policy, which allows freelance couriers to have substitutes deliver on their behalf. While legal under UK employment laws, the system has been exploited by undocumented workers using registered accounts to bypass immigration checks.
New Verification Checks Introduced
In response to government pressure, Uber Eats has introduced stringent verification processes. Couriers are now subject to random selfie checks while working, ensuring the person making deliveries matches the registered account holder.
Furthermore, both couriers and their substitutes must complete video-based identity checks during account setup to verify they have the legal right to work in the UK.
A spokesperson for Uber Eats said:
“All couriers who use the Uber Eats app, whether they are the account holder or a substitute, must undergo strict checks to confirm they are over 18 and have the legal right to work in the UK. If a courier breaches our community guidelines, including unlawful or unsafe behavior, we take appropriate action, which can include permanent removal from the platform.“
Government and Industry Reactions
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has long voiced concerns over the misuse of the substitution system, which he says has been a loophole for undocumented workers to operate undetected. He has pushed for stricter checks, which are now being rolled out across major food delivery platforms.
“The substitute system has been exploited for far too long, encouraging illegal migration and undermining lawful employment practices. Companies must take responsibility to ensure their platforms aren’t used to circumvent immigration laws,” Jenrick stated.
Deliveroo has also implemented similar checks and recently reported terminating over 100 courier accounts for violating right-to-work regulations.
Crackdown Yields Arrests
The intensified enforcement has already led to arrests. In October 2024, police raided a caravan site near Bristol, where they discovered dozens of undocumented migrants living while working as food couriers. Seventeen people were arrested, and 13 were taken to immigration detention centers.
An estimated one million undocumented migrants are believed to be working illegally in the UK, according to a recent study by Thames Water.
Impact on Delivery Industry
While the crackdown aims to ensure compliance with immigration laws, it has also sparked debates about its impact on the gig economy. Many couriers rely on the flexibility offered by platforms like Uber Eats, and the new checks could potentially lead to labor shortages, especially in high-demand urban areas.
Nevertheless, companies insist that maintaining trust and safety within their platforms is paramount.
“We continuously review and improve our processes to ensure they remain robust and fair,” the Uber Eats spokesperson added.
The Home Office has applauded the delivery companies’ efforts, noting that they are “essential partners” in combating illegal employment and protecting legal workers.
Have information about illegal working? Contact the Home Office or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
