Reform Unveils “Deliveroo Law” to Crack Down on Illegal Working

Reform UK has announced plans for tougher action against illegal working, including criminal penalties for company directors whose businesses systematically employ people without the legal right to work in Britain.

Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf unveiled the proposals on 6 August, arguing that illegal working harms legitimate businesses, undermines British workers and provides income for people living illegally in the country.

The “Deliveroo Law”

At the centre of the proposals is what Reform has called the “Deliveroo Law”, aimed particularly at problems within the gig and delivery economy.

Under the plans, company directors could be held personally and criminally responsible where businesses accumulate serious immigration breaches or fail to demonstrate proper right-to-work checks.

Executives could face prison sentences of up to five years, while major companies found to be exploiting illegal labour could face fines equivalent to 10% of their worldwide annual turnover.

Reform would also require platforms operating in Britain to nominate a UK-based person who could be held accountable for compliance.

Tackling the Renting of Delivery Accounts

The party also wants action against people who allow their delivery accounts to be used by illegal workers.

Those found renting their credentials to illegal migrants could face sanctions including fines, asset seizure, imprisonment and, where applicable, visa revocation.

Reform would additionally require anyone using a vehicle for commercial deliveries to hold a full British driving licence.

High Street Enforcement

The proposals extend beyond delivery companies.

Reform wants a national licensing system for vape shops, with the number of licensed premises capped at 1,000 across the country. Unlicensed businesses could be closed and their assets seized.

Multi-agency enforcement teams bringing together police, trading standards and immigration enforcement would also be established to target illegal employment.

“Britain Will No Longer Be a Soft Touch”

Announcing the policy, Zia Yusuf accused previous Conservative and Labour governments of failing to tackle illegal employment effectively.

He said:

“Under Reform UK, Britain will no longer be a soft touch.”

Reform says its proposals are intended to make businesses properly accountable for who they employ while protecting legitimate employers and British workers from an illegal labour market.

Watch the full press conference here.