In a recent campaign, there is an urgent call for the government to extend protections for delivery riders, highlighting growing concerns over their safety.
Deliveroo has launched the ‘Right to Ride Safely‘ campaign, advocating for better protections for delivery riders in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill. The campaign is supported by the GMB trade union and the British Retail Consortium. This initiative aims to safeguard the hundreds of thousands of couriers who work for Deliveroo and similar delivery services.
Although the government has shown commitment by proposing an independent offence for assaulting or threatening retail workers at their workplace, the bill currently lacks specific measures to protect delivery riders. Deliveroo is urging an extension of this protection to cover the entire delivery process, from picking up the order to its final delivery.
New statistics from Deliveroo reveal a worrying trend: a 28% rise in abusive incidents targeting riders over the past six months compared to the previous period. These incidents range from verbal abuse to theft and include threats and physical attacks, demonstrating the urgent need for legislative action.
Camilla Kater, Deliveroo’s SVP of rider and care, stated, “No one should feel unsafe while working. Riders play an invaluable role in their local communities and including protections for delivery riders in the Bill will send the strongest signal that we all value them and that these crimes will not be tolerated.” Therefore, Deliveroo, alongside GMB, is advocating for the government to amend legislation, ensuring comprehensive protection for riders.
Furthermore, Deliveroo is pressing for clarity in the legislation to make sure hospitality venues are classified as retail premises. This move is crucial as it emphasises the inclusion of places where incidents frequently occur, thus offering riders additional security.
The growing number of abuses against delivery riders underlines an urgent need for comprehensive legislative protection. Deliveroo’s campaign, backed by influential organisations, seeks to extend these protections to ensure riders’ safety and security. It is crucial for the government to heed these demands and introduce necessary changes in the law, sending a clear message that the rights and safety of delivery riders are a priority.
