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On 30 March 2025, the Home Office announced that employers will now need to carry out right to work checks if they operate in the gig economy.Â
For example, delivery drivers, beauty salon workers, and even some construction workers were not subject to right to work checks, due to the fact they were on zero-hour contracts or doing gig work. This means that some workers may not have had any right to work in the UK.Â
Some companies, such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats voluntarily carried out right to work checks to ensure that they complied with UK visa laws. Now, it is compulsory for all to carry out checks.Â
This update to the rules comes as part of the Government’s efforts to stop illegal working, and dissuade people from entering the UK illegally through people smugglers and other means.Â
In the Government’s press release, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that: ‘Under our Plan for Change, we are restoring order to the asylum and immigration system by introducing tougher laws and bolstering enforcement action to tackle illegal working and stopping rogue employers in their tracks.’
Read on to find out how the checks work, and what repercussions businesses will face if they fail to comply.
What is the process for checking someone’s right to work?
It only takes a few minutes for employers to check a person’s right to work in the UK, and it can all be done online for free.
The Government has a webpage where they provide guidance on carrying out checks, where you can learn more about what you need to do.Â
Before you carry out a right to work check, you will need the applicant’s date of birth and their right to work share code. Then, you can proceed with using the Government’s free service.
What are the punishments for hiring illegal workers?
If it is discovered that a business has been hiring workers that do not have the right to work in the UK, there are several repercussions that can follow. These now also apply to those hiring for the gig economy.Â
Punishments can include:
- Fines of up to £60,000 per worker
- Forced business closures
- Directors disqualified from their positions
- Prison sentences of up to five years
Employers should ensure that they carry out a quick check to avoid receiving these punishments.Â
Looking to the future
This crackdown on illegal workers in the gig economy is part of the current Labour Governments aims to change the UK’s immigration system, and follows many immigration rule changes to legal paths into the UK that we have previously covered. This includes the 12 March Statement of Changes, and the Worker Visa and Sponsorship fee increases from 19 March 2025, which are to be introduced in April.Â
With so many changes taking place, it may not be possible to predict what future changes will involve, but it is clear that the Government is taking a stricter stance on immigration than in recent years. Throughout the year, it is likely that we will see more updates that make the system even stricter.Â
When these updates come, we will cover them here. Visit our website often to see what is announced in the future. Â
Our visa services
As UK immigration experts, we can provide assistance with applying for all legitimate paths into the UK, as well help with applying for settlement and even British citizenship.
If you are interested in using our services, then book a free 10-minute assessment so that our team can see how they may best help you.Â
After the free assessment, you can book a longer, paid consultation that lasts either 30 minutes, or an hour. This can be with one of our immigration specialists, or with our Principal Solicitor, Nathan Woodcock. During your consultation, our team will help you plan your future steps. Then, they will be here to help you for as long as your case is being dealt with.
Get in touch today for all of your UK visa needs.Â
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
