Hundreds of people have been arrested across the UK after a week-long Home Office operation targeting illegal working, with a focus on the gig economy and delivery riders.
Operation Equalize took place between 20 and 27 July, with Immigration Enforcement teams visiting hotspots for illegal working. Officers stopped and spoke to 1,780 people, resulting in 280 arrests.
The Home Office said that 53 individuals are now having their asylum support reviewed, which could be suspended or withdrawn. Those caught working illegally face removal from the UK.
The government confirmed today (9 August) that Immigration Enforcement teams will receive a £5 million boost from a wider £100 million border security package. The money will fund more enforcement visits and help officers gather intelligence.
The operation followed an agreement with major delivery firms Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat, giving them information on the locations of asylum hotels to help prevent illegal working.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “Illegal working undermines our border security and we’re cracking down hard on it. That’s why we have intensified our enforcement activity right across the UK to crack down on those who think they can evade immigration and employment laws in the UK.
This government is making sure rules are respected and enforced – this operation is just one example of our relentless efforts to bear down on organised immigration crime at every level in our communities.”
As part of Operation Equalize, 51 businesses – including car washes, restaurants and shops – were issued with Civil Penalty Referral Notices. They could face large fines if they are found to have employed illegal workers without carrying out the correct checks.
Police supported the operation, seizing 71 vehicles, including 58 e-bikes, £8,000 in cash, and around £460,000 worth of illicit cigarettes.
Local examples included seven arrests in Hillingdon, where officers detained five people. In Birmingham, five e-bikes were seized and two riders were arrested for illegal working offences.
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, said: “We continue to intensify our activity against those who think they can get away with working illegally. My teams have been taking action around the clock, all across the country and I thank them for their hard work, co-operation and skill in dealing with this challenging issue.
“I welcome the additional funding which will allow us to strengthen our enforcement efforts against illegal working further, to ensure those fuelling it are caught.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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