Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats agree to tackle illegal working in UK (updated)

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV

30/04/2024 11:07

(Adds background in paragraphs 2-3, data obtained by Reuters on
illegal riders in paragraph 6)
       LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - 
    Meal delivery companies Deliveroo  ROO.L , Just Eat
 TKWY.AS  and Uber Eats have committed to make extra security
checks on their British riders, the government said, as it steps
up efforts to make it harder for people to work illegally.
        Workers in the gig economy are self employed and
therefore have the right to substitute another rider to carry
out jobs.  
  
        The government said a "small minority" of riders, who
the companies check can work legally, have taken advantage of
the system to avoid ensuring their substitutes had the same
right to work in Britain.
  
        In response to a freedom of information request
submitted by Reuters last year, the government's interior
ministry said 42% of riders stopped by an enforcement team over
six days in April 2023 were found to be working illegally.
  
        "Illegal working puts their customers at risk, drives
down wages and defrauds the taxpayer," said illegal migration
minister Michael Tomlinson after he met on Monday the three
companies that dominate the market.
  
        "It is vital that we shut down any loophole that allows
it to happen."
  
        The companies had committed to now bring in "enhanced
security checks", the government said. 
  
        Deliveroo is the first to roll out a new substitute
registration feature, including right to work checks, earlier
this month.
  
        The ruling Conservatives, which are trailing the Labour
Party in the polls ahead of an election expected later this
year, are trying to win over voters with its tough stance on
migration. 
  
         Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will start sending asylum
seekers to Rwanda within 
    10 to 12 weeks
    , deporting those who arrive without permission, and the
government is also trying to make the UK less attractive to
immigrants by stopping them from working illegally. 
  

 (Reporting by Muvija M and William Schomberg, writing by Sarah
Young; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar and Paul Sandle)
 ((sarah.young@thomsonreuters.com; +44 20 7542 1109; Reuters
Messaging: sarah.young.thomsonreuters@reuters.net))