Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,
London Police and Immigration Crackdown on Delivery Drivers Suspected of Illegal Working
Major enforcement operation targeting gig-economy migration compliance
In early July 2025, Immigration Enforcement teams joined forces with the Metropolitan Police in a large-scale operation across London, focusing on delivery riders suspected of working illegally—especially those residing in state-funded asylum accommodation.
The Raid
• The operation targeted individuals working for food delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat, despite being barred from employment during the first year of their asylum claim or while receiving government financial support .
• At least ten men were confronted near Thistle City Barbican hotel in central London—some returning from delivery runs with company-branded bags on bikes. Officers confiscated phones and e‑bikes, directed suspects to unlock delivery apps, and made multiple arrests for illegal working and bail breaches.
Statistics & Context
• Between July 2023 and May 2024, there was a 51% year-on-year increase in arrests related to illegal working in the gig economy.
• Nationally, over 7,130 arrests and 10,000+ enforcement visits were made for illegal work—some of the highest levels recorded in recent years.
Government and Corporate Responses
• Home Secretary Yvette Cooper endorsed the operation and pledged further crackdowns, including more intensive facial recognition checks and seizure of delivery equipment.
• Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat were summoned to a Home Office meeting shortly after the raids. They agreed to:
• Increase frequency of facial verification to daily checks.
• Introduce selfie and device checks to prevent unauthorized account sharing or substitution riders.
Controversy and Union Response
• Critics—including delivery unions like the IWGB, trade union groups, and local MPs—have raised concerns over racial profiling and heavy-handed tactics:
• A protest in Tooting saw over 100 residents march in solidarity with targeted riders, accusing enforcement of targeting minority workers under a guise of identity checks.
• Critics warn these raids risk stigmatising vulnerable migrant workers and may deter them from reporting crimes or seeking legitimate work.
Attached is a news article regarding police arresting immigrants delivery driver in London
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>
<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc
No comments:
Post a Comment