In a series of Home Office raids, drivers for popular food delivery platforms Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat were apprehended as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected immigration offenses. These arrests serve as a stark reminder to employers of the necessity to conduct thorough Right to Work checks to prevent illegal working and exploitation within their organisations.
Case overview
The Home Office has recently announced the successful outcome of a six-day operation, resulting in the arrest of 60 delivery drivers associated with Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat. These arrests were made on charges of illegal working and possessing fraudulent documentation. The crackdown on illegal working serves to ensure that both companies and workers adhere to tax regulations and other employment standards, thereby contributing to the overall health of the UK economy.
Out of the individuals apprehended, 44 have been detained pending deportation, while the remaining 16 have been released on immigration bail. Furthermore, the arrests led to the discovery of weapons and cash believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Employers found to have knowingly hired illegal workers can face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and substantial fines that may reach £20,000.
This recent news serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role played by Right to Work checks.
About Right to Work Checks
Right to Work checks are essential processes undertaken by employers in the UK to ensure that potential employees possess the legal authorisation to work within the country. These checks, conducted by the Home Office, must be completed before employment commences to verify that individuals are eligible to work based on their immigration status.
Conducting thorough Right to Work checks is crucial for all businesses, recruitment agencies, and hiring managers. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure that each employee or casual worker possesses the necessary permissions to work in the UK before commencing employment.
Failure to conduct proper Right to Work checks can have significant consequences, both financially and in terms of reputational damage. It can lead to disqualification from public procurement contracts and may even result in the closure of a business.
Right to Work checks should ideally be carried out during the interview stage, prior to employment. Employers can protect themselves by conducting compliant Right to Work checks.
Key Facts About Right to Work Checks
Employers face potential fines of up to £20,000 and, in severe cases, up to five years in prison for employing individuals without the right to work.
As of 6th April 2022, manual Right to Work checks on biometric card holders are no longer permitted. Instead, online checks must be conducted.
A properly conducted Right to Work check can provide employers with a statutory excuse against civil penalties for employing illegal workers. This means that employers won’t be penalised if they unknowingly hired individuals who did not possess the right to work in the UK.
How Capcon Can Help
Capcon offers a comprehensive solution to assist businesses in efficiently conducting Right to Work checks while ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations. Through our specialised mobile app or web-based managed service, we can verify a candidate’s Right to Work status in just a few steps, significantly faster than the 5 to 20 working days typically required for a manual check. Our system is automatically updated to reflect changes in legislation, ensuring that your checks are always in line with the latest rules and regulations.
Our Right to Work solution is easily accessible, trackable, and auditable, simplifying compliance management and helping you avoid costly fines of up to £20,000. By partnering with Capcon, you can streamline your administrative tasks, onboard suitable candidates swiftly and efficiently, and protect your business from reputational damage.
If you require assistance with Right to Work checks, we encourage you to contact Capcon Ltd to find out how our specialised solution can help you ensure compliance and protect your business.
