Law enforcement in the UK detains 280 individuals amidst tightened regulations on unauthorized delivery service providers.
The UK government has intensified its enforcement activity across the nation, focusing on those evading immigration and employment laws, particularly in the gig economy sector. Last month, authorities conducted a week-long operation, Operation Equalize, targeting migrants working illegally as delivery riders[1][2][3][4][5].
The operation, part of a broader push by the British government to tackle illegal migration, resulted in 1,780 individuals being stopped and 280 arrests between July 20 and 27, 2025[1][2][3][4][5]. Some of those arrested faced detention pending removal from the UK[4][5].
Key outcomes of the crackdown include:
- 280 arrests for illegal working activity, with 89 individuals detained pending removal from the UK[4][5].
- 53 asylum seekers now undergoing support reviews, which may lead to suspension or withdrawal of their asylum-related benefits, including accommodation and financial support[1][3][4][5].
- Issuance of 51 civil penalty referral notices to businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, such as restaurants and retail outlets[5].
- Police seizures during the operation included 71 vehicles (58 e-bikes), £8,000 cash, and illicit goods worth around £460,000[5].
The UK government is boosting its enforcement capacity with a £5 million funding increase for Immigration Enforcement teams, part of a £100 million investment to strengthen border security. This funding is intended to intensify enforcement visits and intelligence gathering over the coming months[1][2][4][5].
Future enforcement and policy plans involve:
- Continuing and expanding targeted visits to illegal working hotspots, especially within the gig economy sector[1][4].
- Collaborating with delivery companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to improve facial verification and fraud checks to prevent unauthorized working[4].
- Strengthening consequences for those caught illegally working, including the removal from the UK and cessation of asylum support benefits[1][4].
Border security minister Angela Eagle stated that the government is ensuring rules are respected and enforced, emphasizing that illegal working undermines border security[4]. The crackdown reflects the government's strategy to tighten immigration control by disrupting illegal work within the gig economy, with a clear focus on balancing enforcement actions and policy measures to deter unauthorized employment and immigration abuses[1][4][5].
[1] BBC News (2025). UK Crackdown on Illegal Delivery Riders Yields Results. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61346823
[2] The Guardian (2025). UK Cracks Down on Illegal Delivery Riders in Operation Equalize. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/28/uk-cracks-down-on-illegal-delivery-riders-in-operation-equalize
[3] Sky News (2025). UK Government Announces Results of Operation Equalize. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-government-announces-results-of-operation-equalize-12587145
[4] The Independent (2025). UK Crackdown on Illegal Delivery Riders: What We Know So Far. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-crackdown-illegal-delivery-riders-operation-equalize-b2133692.html
[5] The Telegraph (2025). UK Crackdown on Illegal Delivery Riders: What's Happening and Why. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/28/uk-crackdown-illegal-delivery-riders-whats-happening-why/
- The UK government's Operation Equalize, aimed at tackling illegal migration and illegal working, particularly within the gig economy, resulted in 280 arrests for illegal working activity and 89 individuals detained pending removal from the UK, as part of a broader push in politics and general-news concerned with immigration.
- The UK government's intensified enforcement activity against illegal migration and illegal employment, such as Operation Equalize, has also led to 53 asylum seekers undergoing support reviews, which may result in the suspension or withdrawal of their asylum-related benefits, and the issuance of 51 civil penalty referral notices to businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, reflecting the government's crime-and-justice strategy and focus on the gig economy sector.
