Archive · 29 Oct 2025
UK Cracks Down on Illegal Working in Food Delivery, Car Washes
The UK government is trying to stop people from working in the country without permission.
They are arresting more people who are working illegally, especially in jobs like delivering food, at car washes, and in beauty salons.
They have arrested a lot more people this year than last year and have sent some of them back to their home countries.
The government says this is important to make sure people don't come to the UK illegally.
Some people worry that these actions might make people meaner to immigrants and others who come from different backgrounds.
Britain has seen a 63% increase in arrests for illegal working in the year leading up to September 2025.
Targeted operations focused on food delivery, beauty salons, and car washes drove the rise in arrests.
Over 8,000 illegal migrants were arrested, with more than 1,050 foreign nationals removed from the country.
The government aims to deter illegal migration, a key public concern.
Food delivery companies have agreed to stricter controls and data sharing to identify asylum seekers working illegally.
- Who
- Britain's interior ministry and Immigration Enforcement
- What
- Increased arrests and removals of individuals working illegally in the UK, with targeted operations in specific industries.
- When
- In the 12 months to September 2025, with a 63% increase in arrests compared to the previous year.
- Where
- Across Britain, with targeted operations in food delivery, beauty salons, and car washes.
- Why
- To deter illegal migration and address public concerns over immigration.
Government Stance
Rights Advocates' Concerns
Deterring Illegal Migration
Government Stance
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood stated that illegal working incentivizes illegal arrivals and the government is committed to stopping this through crackdowns.
Rights Advocates' Concerns
Rights advocates warn that the government's tougher immigration stance is fueling hostility towards migrants and British people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Scope of Operations
Government Stance
Targeted operations in food delivery, beauty salons, and car washes are key to increasing arrests and removals.
Rights Advocates' Concerns
The focus on specific industries and increased enforcement measures may disproportionately impact certain communities.
- Arrests for Illegal Working (12 months to Sept 2025)
- Over 8,000
- Increase in Arrests (vs previous year)
- 63%
- Foreign Nationals Removed
- Over 1,050
- Targeted Industries
- Food delivery, beauty salons, car washes
- New Government Deal
- July agreement with Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats to share data on asylum seekers working illegally