The Home Office has announced new measures warning companies that they could face a £60,000 fine if they are found to be hiring illegal delivery riders. Announced on October 1, the Home Office stated: "Employers caught hiring illegal delivery riders or other zero-hours workers could face £60,000 per worker fines, director disqualification or up to five years in prison."
Businesses are now required to check that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK. The penalty for employing illegal workers could include a five-year prison sentence and an unlimited fine if found guilty of employing someone known or reasonably believed not to have the right to work in the UK.
New Requirements for Delivery Riders
Delivery riders must provide appropriate documents proving their legal status. This can include proof of the right to work as self-employed, a smartphone with NFC (near-field communication) and front and rear cameras, a vehicle (bicycle, scooter, cargo bicycle, or car) with necessary safety equipment, and a UK bank account.
These measures make it a legal requirement to ensure riders have the right to work. In 2025, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat introduced voluntary 'right to work' checks on all account holders and registered substitutes.
London Assembly and MP Reactions
In July, the London Assembly passed a motion calling on the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences for commercial work, including food delivery driving, to improve road safety. The motion, proposed by Conservative Assembly Member Thomas Turrell, also called for an expiry cap on CBT certification to incentivise riders to progress to a full licence.
Louie French, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, previously told the LDRS: "High streets and roads across the country are now littered with men using mopeds to deliver food. The Government must urgently grip this situation to ensure that all delivery drivers are working here legally and are not endangering other road users."
Impact on Employers and Workers
The new fines apply per worker, meaning employers with multiple illegal riders could face cumulative penalties. Director disqualification is also a potential consequence, adding a layer of accountability for company leadership. The Home Office emphasised that these measures are designed to deter the employment of illegal workers and ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.
For riders, the requirement to provide proof of right to work, a compatible smartphone, and a vehicle with safety equipment may create barriers for some. However, the measures aim to standardise the gig economy workforce and ensure all workers are legally entitled to work in the UK.
