Indians among delivery riders detained for working illegally in U.K.

The Hindu
The Hindu
6d ago • 8 views
The U.K. Home Office detained 171 delivery riders, including Indians, for illegal work as part of a crackdown on illegal migration. This is part of broader reforms to increase deportations.
Indians among delivery riders detained for working illegally in U.K.
A What happened
In a recent crackdown, the U.K. Home Office detained 171 delivery riders for illegal work, including several from India. This operation, named 'Operation Equalise,' involved checks across various locations in Britain. The initiative is part of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's reforms aimed at tackling illegal migration, which have led to a notable rise in deportations. The government reported record levels of enforcement actions last year, with thousands of checks and arrests. New legislation has been introduced to expand right-to-work checks in the gig economy, targeting delivery services. Employers who do not comply may face severe penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. The U.K. authorities are also working with food delivery companies to enhance measures against illegal working.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Increased Deportations: The U.K. has ramped up deportations of illegal workers significantly.

  • 2

    Operation Equalise: A nationwide operation targeting illegal delivery riders was conducted.

  • 3

    Stricter Employer Penalties: New laws impose severe penalties on employers for non-compliance.

Takeaways

The U.K. government's crackdown on illegal working reflects a broader strategy to control immigration and enforce labor laws, with significant implications for the gig economy.

Topics

Business & Markets Economy World & Politics Policy & Regulation