UK food delivery platforms to enforce identity checks to curb irregular migrant workers

Major food delivery companies Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat have agreed to strengthen identity checks on their platforms following concerns raised by the UK government over irregular migrants working through account-sharing methods.

The companies met with the Labour government after The Sun published an investigation last week exposing how some asylum seekers bypass work restrictions by renting verified delivery driver accounts. The Home Office said that despite existing checks, illegal practices continue to occur in the gig economy.

In a statement, the government confirmed, "The platforms have agreed to increase the use of facial verification checks to ensure only registered account holders can work off their platforms." This comes amid broader efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and prevent illegal employment.

Food delivery platforms committed to "combat illegal working," the Home Office noted, citing increased scrutiny following recent media reports.

“We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal working across the board,” said Border Security and Asylum Minister Angela Eagle.

The move comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government faces mounting pressure over immigration, especially from the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. A new immigration bill under consideration in Parliament proposes enhanced powers for police to tackle smuggling networks and implement stricter employment eligibility rules.

So far this year, over 19,000 individuals have crossed the English Channel from France in small boats, surpassing previous years' early figures. French authorities, including former Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, have stated that the possibility of illegal work in the UK continues to act as a pull factor for migrants making the dangerous journey.

(With inputs from AFP)