UK Urges Stricter Controls on Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat

In a bid to address growing concerns about unchecked account sharing among food delivery drivers, Britain’s interior ministry has called on major platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat to implement more stringent controls. The move comes amidst fears of illegal and underage workers exploiting the system, reported Reuters.

While food delivery companies conduct initial checks on individuals seeking employment, verifying their age and legal right to work in Britain, once approved, drivers have the ability to subcontract their accounts to others without undergoing further scrutiny.

According to Reuters, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick expressed his concerns, stating that unchecked account sharing poses risks to the public, encourages illegal migration, and leads to the exploitation of workers.

“Unchecked account sharing places the public at risk, enables – and therefore encourages – illegal migration, and leads to the exploitation of workers,” said Minister Jenrick in a statement issued after a meeting with representatives from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat on Tuesday.

Read more: UK Top Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Workers

According to government statistics, immigration officials have made over 380 arrests involving food delivery drivers in the current year alone. The figures highlight the need for increased oversight and regulation within the industry.

Riders employed by these meal delivery companies operate on a self-employed basis, providing them with the legal right to subcontract deliveries to substitutes. Just Eat, one of the companies under scrutiny, emphasized its commitment to working closely with the government to address the issue.

“At Just Eat, we have high standards and a robust criteria in place for couriers delivering on our behalf,” stated a spokesperson. “This includes ensuring couriers are over the age of 18, carrying out basic criminal checks (DBS), and making sure they have the right to work in the UK.”

The spokesperson further clarified that account holders are responsible for ensuring their substitutes meet the necessary standards. The collaboration between the government and food delivery platforms is expected to lead to the implementation of measures aimed at curbing unchecked account sharing and promoting a safer and more secure working environment for delivery drivers.

Source: Reuters