Food delivery riders working for Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have been barred from a luxury apartment complex near Canary Wharf, after management linked the move to claims—based
on media reports—that some couriers are “undocumented” workers.
The companies strongly rejected the suggestion, insisting they run strict identity checks and operate zero-tolerance policies on illegal work.
The ban comes amid tensions at the nearby Britannia International hotel, where protests and counter-protests have erupted over its alleged use to house asylum seekers.
In a security notice to residents of the Canary Riverside complex, management company Parkgate Aspen said some residents were worried about safety in light of “the appropriation of the nearby Britannia hotel for migrant housing and the resultant unrest.” The notice referenced press claims about undocumented riders, stating plans were in place to stop them entering the blocks “as they cannot be allowed to roam around for delivery to individual flats.”
The company said the changes—which prevent entry to riders from app-based food delivery platforms—would not affect grocery couriers from services like Ocado or Tesco, who may be admitted at residents’ discretion. Management argued these services use fully trained, monitored staff and maintain detailed delivery records.
While Parkgate Aspen reported “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, some residents criticised what they saw as an “arbitrary ban” that did not apply to other visitors. One resident linked the policy to “anti-asylum seeker hysteria” and accused management of stoking tensions.
Parkgate Aspen said the restriction had been under discussion since January due to incidents of “bad behaviour,” including riders relieving themselves in stairwells, tailgating residents, and verbally abusing those who refused them entry.
All three delivery companies defended their procedures:
- “Deliveroo” said any rider found breaching legal or contractual obligations would have their contract terminated.
- “Just Eat” said its couriers have the legal right to work and must meet strict standards.
- “Uber Eats” said it uses advanced identity and video verification technology to prevent illegal work.
The controversy comes as fresh protests were expected outside the Britannia hotel on Friday night. While some participants are local families, far-right activists have played a key role in promoting the events. Several arrests have been made after disturbances, with police issuing 28-day bans to some individuals.
Social media posts from far-right supporters have claimed asylum seekers staying at the Britannia work as delivery drivers. Police have denied this, stating that people filmed leaving on mopeds were hotel staff and that a delivery driver escorted by officers was simply completing a drop-off. Photo by shopblocks, Wikimedia commons.
