Business secretary criticizes Uber Eats over migrant remarks made by company officials
In a recent post, Andrew Griffith, the Shadow Business Secretary, has criticized Uber Eats for relying on illegal workers and has called on the company to use innovation in tracking their own delivery riders. Griffith's comments come amidst growing concerns about the employment practices of takeaway apps, particularly in the UK.
Griffith believes that the Employment Rights Bill proposed by Labour could increase costs for businesses and make hiring staff more difficult. However, he also expressed his disapproval of companies like Uber Eats that have historically had limited right-to-work checks for their delivery riders, many of whom are known to be undocumented workers in the UK.
Delivery riders on takeaway apps, such as Uber Eats, have been known to sell or rent their accounts to others who may be working illegally. This practice has raised concerns about the exploitation of workers and the potential for criminal activity.
In response to Griffith's comments, Uber UK has expressed concerns about new legislative requirements potentially having an adverse impact on their business. The division of Uber has stated that they may incur expenses necessary to comply with new laws and regulations.
Uber UK has also welcomed a Home Office effort to crackdown on small boats crossing the channel with illegal migrants. However, the company has raised concerns about a potential crackdown on undocumented migrant drivers, stating that it could increase takeaway prices.
British opposition economic secretary Louise Haigh announced that Uber UK could face a crackdown over its stance towards the criminalization of undocumented migrant drivers. City AM has contacted Uber UK for comment regarding Griffith's statements, but the company has yet to respond.
Griffith has referred to Uber Eats as a "criminal enterprise" if it cannot succeed without the use of illegal workers. He suggests using location tracking, AI, and biometrics to identify delivery riders and emphasizes the importance of a clean supply chain for Uber UK, free of illegal or criminal individuals.
The issue of illegal workers in the gig economy has been a contentious one, with many calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect workers' rights. The debate continues as policymakers and businesses grapple with the complexities of the gig economy and the need to ensure fair and safe working conditions for all.
