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In a bold move to tighten immigration controls, Reform UK has unveiled a controversial new policy aimed at penalising companies that employ illegal migrant workers. Under this ambitious plan, businesses could face fines amounting to 10% of their global revenues, while company executives risk imprisonment even if they claim ignorance of their employees’ immigration status. This initiative, dubbed the ‘Deliveroo law’, is expected to provoke significant debate as it seeks to reshape the landscape of employment regulations in the UK.
A Drastic Shift in Employment Law
Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, is set to outline the party’s proposal in a speech later today. He expressed a clear intention to impose what he described as the “harshest penalties in the world” for employers hiring illegal migrants. Yusuf stated, “Under a Reform government, bosses of companies employing illegal migrants will be sent to prison, and their companies fined 10% of their global revenues.” This statement underscores the party’s commitment to cracking down on businesses that allegedly profit from illegal employment practices.
Currently, employers can be fined up to £60,000 for each illegal worker they employ, provided they fail to conduct appropriate right-to-work checks. Reform UK’s plan seeks to escalate these penalties significantly, reflecting growing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable workers and the integrity of the labour market.
Context of the Proposal
This announcement comes on the heels of a recent government crackdown in the delivery sector, which has seen a surge in enforcement actions. In July, the Home Office arrested ten workers from Evri who were on immigration bail, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of the gig economy and its role in facilitating illegal work. Recent statistics reveal a dramatic increase in visits and arrests related to illegal working, which surged by 57% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 12,791 visits.
The Home Office has reiterated its position that illegal working undermines legitimate businesses and fuels organised immigration crime. A spokesperson stated, “We are already closing the loopholes that allow illegal migrants to work in the UK by extending right-to-work checks to the gig economy and delivery sector.” The government has pledged to impose severe consequences for employers who flout these regulations, including potential prison sentences of up to five years.
Broader Political Implications
The proposed reforms come amidst a backdrop of political tension surrounding immigration policies in the UK. As Reform UK positions itself as a hardline alternative to the Conservative Party, this latest initiative could resonate with voters who feel that existing policies have failed to address illegal immigration effectively. This stance may also pressure the current government to take a firmer approach in its own immigration strategy.
In parallel, other political controversies unfold, with Jewish leaders rejecting a meeting with a former antisemitic troll selected as a Conservative council candidate. This incident, alongside ongoing discussions regarding the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, illustrates the complex and often contentious landscape of UK politics as parties navigate public sentiment on social justice and law enforcement.
Why it Matters
Reform UK’s aggressive stance on illegal employment could set a precedent for the future of labour laws in the UK, potentially leading to a chilling effect on businesses that may fear severe repercussions for inadvertent violations. As the nation grapples with the implications of stricter immigration policies, this proposal raises significant ethical questions about the balance between enforcing law and protecting the rights of workers. The outcome of this initiative may well redefine the UK’s approach to immigration and employment, impacting not only businesses but also the lives of thousands of individuals navigating the complexities of the labour market.