Government Proposes Immigration Checks for Gig Economy Workers
The UK government has launched a six-week consultation on expanding immigration status checks to self-employed and gig economy workers. This move, part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aims to deter illegal working by extending the ‘Right to Work’ scheme beyond traditional employees. The proposed legislation seeks to create a level playing field for businesses and prevent exploitation.
Key Takeaways
- Immigration status checks could be mandated for businesses hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers.
- Sectors like construction, food delivery, and warehousing are specifically mentioned.
- Failure to comply could result in significant civil and criminal sanctions for businesses.
- The consultation aims to gather views on enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
Expanding the Right to Work Scheme
Currently, employers are legally required to verify the immigration status of their employees. However, this requirement does not extend to individuals classified as self-employed or ‘gig economy’ workers. The government argues that this loophole is increasingly exploited by businesses to hire individuals without the legal right to work in the UK.
The proposed changes would bring sectors such as construction, food delivery, beauty services, courier operations, and warehousing under the scope of mandatory checks. This aims to prevent “rogue employers” from undercutting legitimate businesses by using cheaper, undocumented labour.
Deterring Illegal Working and Exploitation
Alex Norris, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, stated that the legislation will “restrict the ability of ‘rogue employers’ to take advantage of illegal workers” and encourage businesses to prioritise those permitted to work in the UK. He added that it will “provide parity across industries” and ensure businesses acting lawfully are not disadvantaged.
The government also highlighted that illegal working is a significant “pull factor” for irregular migration and is often linked to low pay and poor working conditions, potentially indicating modern slavery. The expansion of checks is seen as a safeguard against such exploitation.
Consultation Details and Future Plans
The consultation, which runs until December 10, 2025, is seeking feedback on how the new requirements should be enforced and how compliance can be made easier for businesses. The government plans to introduce digital ID cards in the future, which are intended to further streamline and secure the right-to-work verification process.
Penalties for non-compliance under the new rules could include substantial fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, potential business closures, director disqualifications, and prison sentences of up to five years. The government has committed to supporting employers in adapting to these upcoming changes.
