Deliveroo, Just Eat Takeaway.com and Uber Eats to enhance security checks to prevent illegal working
Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have joined forces with the UK government to enhance safety measures and prevent the exploitation of account sharing by workers. Representatives from the three food delivery giants held productive discussions with government officials at the Home Office in London, including Michael Tomlinson, the Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, and Minister Hollinrake, the Minister for Business and Trade.
As a result of the meeting, all three companies have committed to implementing changes in their processes to ensure that substitute riders have legal authorization to work in the UK. Deliveroo has taken the lead by introducing a new substitute registration feature, which includes right-to-work checks, earlier this month. The companies will closely collaborate with the government to implement these new operating procedures effectively and address any emerging risks.
Illegal working poses significant risks to consumers, undermines wage standards, and defrauds the taxpayer. Minister Michael Tomlinson emphasized the government's commitment to closing any loopholes that enable illegal working, stating that unchecked account sharing must be cracked down on. Minister Kevin Hollinrake expressed support for proactive businesses like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, highlighting the importance of protecting consumers and fostering economic growth.
A spokesperson for Deliveroo affirmed the company's dedication to strengthening controls to prevent platform misuse and highlighted their status as the first major platform to roll out direct right-to-work checks. Uber Eats also announced plans to introduce identity verification checks to ensure legitimate account usage. Just Eat reiterated their commitment to collaborating with industry and policymakers to develop solutions ensuring compliance with the law.
The government's efforts to tackle illegal working align with broader initiatives aimed at safeguarding borders and combating abuse. Enforcement visits rose significantly last year, leading to a surge in arrests and returns of individuals with no legal right to be in the UK. Additionally, recent legislative developments, such as the Safety of Rwanda Act and its accompanying Treaty, signal progress in enhancing border security measures.
The collaboration between government agencies and food delivery platforms represents a crucial step in safeguarding public safety, promoting responsible business practices, and upholding regulatory standards in the gig economy.
Stay ahead with the latest in food delivery news from the weekly Boolanga Business Bites newsletter, brought to you by Wear Your Brand. Sign up for our LinkedIn newsletter now to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox every Monday.