Uber Eats Dumps Thousands of Couriers in Immigration Crackdown
Thousands of Uber Eats couriers have been kicked off the platform as part of a fierce crackdown on illegal immigration. This drastic move follows a fresh deal between Uber Eats and the Home Office to tighten controls.
Uber Eats Blocks Hundreds of Accounts Every Month
Uber Eats revealed it is now blocking hundreds of accounts monthly through a beefed-up right-to-work verification process. The crackdown comes as rival delivery firms like Deliveroo and Just Eat also face pressure to clamp down on undocumented workers abusing the system.
The problem centres on a loophole in the courier substitution policy, which lets freelance couriers send substitutes to deliver orders. While legal under UK employment laws, this policy has been exploited by illegal workers using registered accounts to dodge immigration checks.
New ID Checks Shake Up Delivery Game
In response to government demands, Uber Eats has rolled out tough new verification measures. Couriers now face random selfie checks during shifts, confirming the delivery rider matches the registered account holder.
Both couriers and their substitutes must also pass video-based identity checks when setting up accounts to prove they have legal work rights in the UK.
“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 behaviour, we take appropriate action, which can include permanent removal from the platform,” a Uber Eats spokesperson said.
Government and Industry Crack Down Hard
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has slammed the misuse of the substitution system as a backdoor for illegal workers. He hailed the new checks as a “long overdue” step to plug the loophole.
“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 said.
Deliveroo has also joined the fray, recently shutting down over 100 courier accounts for violating right-to-work rules.
Crackdown Sparks Arrests Near Bristol
October 2024 saw police raid a caravan site near Bristol, uncovering dozens of undocumented migrants working as food couriers. Seventeen were arrested, with thirteen sent to immigration detention centres amid the tightening enforcement.
A recent Thames Water study estimates around one million undocumented migrants are working illegally across the UK, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Impact on Delivery Industry and Gig Economy
While the clampdown boosts legal compliance, it raises concerns over potential labour shortages in the busy gig economy. Many couriers rely on Uber Eats’ flexibility, and stricter checks may disrupt supply, especially in bustling cities.
However, firms stress that safety and trust come first.
“We continuously review and improve our processes to ensure they remain robust and fair,” the Uber Eats spokesperson added.
The Home Office praised delivery firms as “essential partners” in rooting out illegal employment and defending legal workers.
Got Info on Illegal Working? Report It!
If you have information on illegal working, you can report it anonymously. Contact the Home Office or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
