Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate she has for the number of people working illegally on app-based work platforms.

The Home Office does not have an estimate of the number of individuals working illegally specifically on app-based work platforms.

Employers are required to undertake right to work checks on any prospective employee to confirm their legal status. It is a criminal offence for employers to knowingly enter a contract of employment with an individual who does not have a right to work in the UK. Employers that have not conducted the correct checks can face a civil penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker and closure of their business.

Tackling illegal migration is a key Government priority, including illegal working. During the first quarter of 2023, a total of 1,303 Immigration Enforcement visits took place across the UK to identify illegal working.

The Home Office is working with all stakeholders, including law enforcement partners to drive collaboration on tackling illegal working. This includes platform-based business models to ensure compliant recruitment and on-boarding practices, whilst also maintaining protection of legitimate workers and those at risk of exploitation.