GB News host Emily Carver has criticised plans for delivery companies to implement facial recognition checks as merely "the bare minimum" in preventing illegal immigrants from working as riders.
Immigration Enforcement teams are preparing to launch what officials describe as a "nationwide blitz" on illegal working hotspots, with particular focus on the gig economy.
The strategic operation will bring together officers nationwide to target migrants suspected of working illegally whilst receiving taxpayer-funded accommodation or financial support.
Speaking on GB News, former immigration minister Kevin Foster said: "There is certainly technology that these firms could be using. Just think of our own banking apps, where virtually any transaction can require you to show your face or use biometrics.
Emily Carver fumed that this should be the "bare minimum"
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"It doesn’t strike me as impossible for some of these delivery firms to implement similar systems. For example, if you accept a job, you could be prompted to quickly scan your face, just like when you unlock your phone.
"That kind of technology is readily available. I think the Government needs to ask why it’s not already being used. Some reports suggest that if, for example, it required a daily scan, that would be too intrusive.
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"But we wouldn’t accept that argument for our banking apps, would we? As long as your face is scanned once a day, you can make multiple transactions. The same principle should apply to these delivery apps.
"Frankly, I suspect it’s the companies dragging their feet because at the end of the day, they see a bountiful supply of cheap labour who are happy to work."
GB News host Emily Carver fumed: "That should be the bare minimum. Sorry. That should be the bare minimum, shouldn't it? Face ID for every job you have.
"Safety of people who are receiving the items from UberEats, delivery, whatever it is. And also to try and prevent illegal immigrants from taking these jobs to begin with.
"But do we need to go a step further and say to the likes of Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat or whatever, we're not going to let you do your business in this country until you can tell us that you have done absolutely everything you can to prevent illegal immigrants from using your app and exploiting the use of your app in this way?"
He said: "Absolutely. We should set minimum standards. And also, by the way, not just illegal migrants.
"This is an opportunity for those who have criminal records where really, you would not want them delivering stuff to your house."
The strategic operation will bring together officers nationwide to target migrants suspected of working illegally
PAHome Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Illegal working undermines honest business and undercuts local wages - the British public will not stand for it and neither will this government."
The Government plans to introduce new legislation through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, making it a legal requirement for all companies, including gig economy firms, to verify workers' right to work in the UK.
Companies found employing illegal workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.
Anyone caught working illegally whilst receiving taxpayer support will have their accommodation or payments discontinued.
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