Deliveroo has initiated a campaign urging the government to extend greater legal protections to delivery riders amidst rising incidents of abuse.
Deliveroo, in collaboration with the trade union GMB and the British Retail Consortium, has launched the ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign. This initiative advocates for amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, seeking to ensure comprehensive protection for couriers throughout their delivery route. Currently, the bill proposes a standalone offence for assaults against retail workers, yet it fails to explicitly cover delivery riders.
The proposed changes aim to extend legal protection from the moment an order is accepted, through the journey to collect it, and up until its delivery to the consumer. Deliveroo is also pushing for clarity in legislation to include restaurants and hospitality venues under the definition of retail premises.
This call to action follows recent statistics revealing a 28% increase in abusive incidents towards riders compared to the previous six months. These incidents include verbal abuse, racism, sexism, and crimes such as theft of orders, vehicles, or equipment. Delivery riders have also faced threats and assaults, including instances where riders were attacked under various circumstances, such as verifying customer ID or by individuals under the influence.
Deliveroo’s Senior Vice President of Rider and Care, Camilla Kater, underscored the importance of safety saying, ‘No one should feel unsafe while working’. Kater emphasised the vital role delivery riders play in their communities, advocating for legislative changes as a means to affirm societal respect towards these workers.
Deliveroo, alongside the GMB, is calling on other delivery companies and their restaurant and retail partners to support this campaign. The joint effort seeks to highlight the necessity of these protections and to press the government for immediate action.
The push for legislative reform seeks not only to safeguard delivery riders but also to recognise their critical contribution to community and commerce, advocating for respect and legal assurance.
