In August 2024, The Guardian reported that migrants, mainly from Brazil, working in the gig sector for Uber Eats and Deliveroo were living in “caravan shantytowns” in Bristol. The workers were working long hours for low pay, and their living conditions were described as “appalling”.

The Guardian highlighted how the lack of formal employment enables gig workers to be paid per delivery, meaning they can earn less than the minimum wage. This contrasts with high profits made by Uber Eats and Deliveroo. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain also accused delivery companies of cutting riders’ pay.

Deliveroo told The Guardian it was “very concerned” about riders living in poor conditions in the camp, and highlighted that it offers “the flexible work riders tell us they want”. Uber said it offered a flexible way for workers to make money, and that they have access to “a range of protections”.

In October 2024, The Guardian reported that the camp was raided by immigration enforcement, leading to 17 arrests and 13 people taken to detention centres and facing potential deportation. Migrants living in the camp have accused the UK Government of targeting victims of labour exploitation instead of the companies profiting from the gig economy.

Deliveroo said all its riders must have the legal right to work in the UK, and that it is “committed to strengthening controls to prevent abuse of [its] platform”. Uber Eats told The Guardian that all couriers must have the right to work in the UK, and if they do not, they “will no longer be able to use the Uber Eats app”.