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In a bold move aimed at curtailing immigration, Reform UK has unveiled a plan that would impose hefty fines and potential prison sentences on employers who hire illegal migrant workers. The proposal, described by the party as the ‘Deliveroo law’, suggests that companies could face fines amounting to 10% of their global revenues, regardless of whether they were aware of their employees’ immigration status. This announcement is set to be elaborated upon by the party’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, in a speech later today.
Stricter Penalties Proposed
Under the proposed legislation, the penalties for employing illegal workers would be among the most severe in the world. Yusuf has been vocal about the need for tougher measures, stating, “Under a Reform government, Britain will have the harshest penalties in the world for employing illegal migrants. Bosses of companies employing illegal migrants will be sent to prison, and their companies fined 10% of their global revenues.” This stance signifies a departure from the current framework, which allows for fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, but does not extend to criminal charges against company executives.
The proposal comes in the wake of a government initiative targeting illegal working within the delivery sector. In July, the Home Office reported arrests of ten Evri workers who were on immigration bail, a move that has raised questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures. Statistics from earlier this year showed that visits and arrests for illegal working reached unprecedented levels, with 12,791 inspections conducted in 2025—a staggering 57% increase from the previous year.
Government’s Stance on Illegal Working
A spokesperson for the Home Office has reiterated the government’s commitment to combating illegal employment, stating, “Illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals, and fuels organised immigration crime.” This approach includes extending right-to-work checks to the gig economy and delivery services, promising severe repercussions for employers who flout the law—ranging from substantial fines to potential imprisonment of up to five years.
While the crackdown has garnered some support, critics argue that the proposed penalties could disproportionately impact smaller businesses and exacerbate existing labour shortages. The ongoing debates reflect broader tensions surrounding immigration policy in the UK, as the government grapples with balancing economic needs against public sentiment.
Controversy Surrounding Recent Political Developments
Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to be fraught with controversy. Jewish community leaders have rejected a meeting with Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a former internet troll with a history of antisemitism, who has been selected as a Conservative council candidate for the Crewkerne South ward in Somerset. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council expressed their refusal while indicating a willingness to meet with Conservative officials to discuss the party’s candidate selection process.
Additionally, the government has faced backlash over the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers as part of an early prisoner release scheme. Justice minister Jake Richards acknowledged the “unimaginable pain” experienced by the victim’s family but defended the necessity of such decisions in maintaining a functional prison system. Amidst these unfolding events, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed that a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities in the UK is not being actively pursued, despite ongoing discussions about supporting victims.
Why it Matters
The implications of Reform UK’s stringent proposals extend far beyond mere policy changes; they signal a significant shift in the political discourse surrounding immigration and employment law in the UK. As the government grapples with balancing enforcement and economic realities, the potential for increased legal repercussions on employers could reshape the very fabric of the labour market. With a growing emphasis on punitive measures against illegal employment, the question remains: will these policies effectively deter illegal immigration, or will they disproportionately harm legitimate businesses struggling to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment? As the debate rages on, the stakes for both workers and employers could not be higher.