Reform UK pledges jail for CEOs hiring illegal workers under 'Deliveroo Law'

Company executives could face prison sentences if their firms hire illegal workers under proposals announced by Reform UK. The party’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, outlined the policy at a London press conference on Thursday, targeting food delivery companies and other sectors employing undocumented workers.

Reform UK said it would introduce a "Deliveroo Law" to impose the toughest penalties in the world for illegal employment. The policy includes jailing chief executives and directors, alongside fines equivalent to 10% of a company’s global revenue. Yusuf linked the proposal to youth unemployment, claiming illegal workers undercut young Britons for entry-level jobs.

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Home Office data reveals scale of illegal working

Evidence for the policy draws on a Home Office operation in April 2023. Over six days, enforcement teams stopped delivery riders and found 42% lacked proper paperwork. Yusuf cited this figure as proof of widespread illegal employment in the sector, though he acknowledged data on the exact number of undocumented workers remains limited.

Yusuf said: "There are over one million 16 to 24-year-old Brits who are out of work, not in education nor training. They are competing for entry-level jobs with record numbers of illegal workers. It's not fair." He accused corporate leaders of profiting from illegal labour while young people struggle to find work.

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Corporate CEOs have been making a fortune by hiring illegal workers and undermining British youngsters. Reform will jail them and stop illegal working for good - we will stand up for British workers.

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK home affairs spokesman

London businesses fined £135,000 for illegal employment

The Home Office has already increased penalties for firms hiring illegal workers. Between 1 October and 31 December 2025, 61 London businesses were fined. Seven of these faced penalties exceeding £100,000. Lahore One Restaurant on Commercial Road, Basak Bakery in Haringey, and Antep Tas Firin in Enfield each received fines of £135,000.

Deliveroo denies systemic failure

Deliveroo responded to the allegations by stating it already implements measures to prevent illegal working. A spokesperson said the company conducts Right to Work checks on all riders, performs multiple daily identity verifications, and uses fraud-detection technology. The spokesperson added: "We'd encourage other industries affected by illegal working to do the same."

Yusuf acknowledged the party’s broader immigration plans, which include deporting "well north of a million people" if elected. However, he insisted Reform UK still wants to attract tech firms like Deliveroo to the UK. He said the party supports job creation but draws a "bright red line" at illegal employment, which he claimed occurs at an industrial scale.

What happens next

Reform UK’s policy will remain a proposal unless the party wins the next general election. If implemented, it would require new legislation to introduce prison sentences and revenue-based fines for companies. The Home Office has not commented on the feasibility of the plan but has previously stated it is increasing penalties for illegal employment.