There is sometimes press comment about illegal workers in the UK and how keen the Government is on stopping such workers. Well, between the 20th to 27th July 2025 Operation Equalize took place here in the UK to identify the likes of migrants working illegally in the gig economy as delivery riders.

Apparently, 1,780 individuals were asked to stop between the above dates. Conversations were had with these people resulting in 280 arrests in respect of working activity felt to be illegal.

Due to Operation Equalize, 53 people’s asylum support is under review. Potentially, these individuals could have their support either withdrawn or suspended. This could mean that they have such things as their entitlements to payments or accommodation ended. Potentially, those found to be working illegally in the UK could have to leave the UK.

As well as the above, there were 51 businesses such as restaurants and car washes that were issued with Civil Penalty Referral Notices. Some of those businesses could be fined if they have done something illegal in respect of their workforce.

Apparently, there were 59 e-bikes seized. In addition cash amounting to £8,000 was also seized. Furthermore, illicit cigarettes to the value of circa £460,000 were seized. It would appear that the likes of the police forces here in the UK have had quite a bit of success in apprehending a number of people who may have been working illegally in the UK. It will be interesting to see if such work by our police service and others continues in the coming months.

We are sure that you will agree if you are a courier rider operating legally that the above action taken has got to be a positive way forward in tackling illegal workers in the gig economy and in particular illegal delivery riders. Perhaps there are also a number of couriers driving around in vans who are working illegally.

Those that are working illegally in such businesses are potentially taking work away from those people who are legally entitled to undertake such work.

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