Government moves to tighten right‑to‑work rules for gig‑economy platforms

The UK Government has confirmed plans to bring gig‑economy platforms into the formal right‑to‑work (RTW) regime for the first time, following a consultation on extending RTW checks to non‑traditional working arrangements. The move marks a significant regulatory shift for sectors such as food delivery, courier services, ride‑hailing, beauty services and other app‑based work models.

The consultation response, published on 30 June 2026, outlines how ministers intend to close long‑standing gaps in illegal‑working enforcement by expanding RTW obligations beyond traditional employers. The changes stem from the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, which broadens the definition of who must carry out checks to include businesses hiring gig‑economy and zero‑hours workers.

The Government says illegal working has evolved alongside digital labour platforms, creating new risks such as identity fraud, account sharing and informal subcontracting. Enforcement activity has already intensified: more than 17,400 visits and 12,300 arrests were recorded between July 2024 and December 2025 — the highest levels on record. Civil penalties issued in 2025 exceeded £130 million, with fines now reaching up to £60,000 per illegal worker. Ministers argue that extending RTW checks to gig‑economy operators is essential to maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

Under the new framework, online matching services and platforms that connect workers with customers for payment will be legally required to verify immigration status before allowing individuals to work. This includes those engaging workers, self‑employed contractors or subcontractors. The Government says this shift reflects the realities of a modern labour market where digital platforms exert employer‑like control over onboarding and access to work.

Officials emphasise that enforcement alone is not enough, and the expanded scheme will be supported by clearer processes and additional guidance for businesses implementing checks. The Government is also exploring measures to address situations where directors or partners of limited liability companies evade civil penalties.