Deliveroo is calling on the government to include its riders in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill to protect them from abuse and violence from customers.
The bill, which was in the King’s speech in the summer, will bring into law protection for retail shop workers from abuse and violence.
Deliveroo launched its Right to Ride Safely campaign in conjunction with the GMB trade union and the British Retail Consortium, which includes proposals to safeguard the hundreds of thousands of riders who deliver for the firm and other delivery businesses.
The campaign is calling for the bill to be expanded to cover delivery riders from accepting the order, travelling to collect it, and through to consumer drop-off. It also calls on the government to make clear in the legislation that restaurants and other hospitality settings are included in the definition of a retail premise.
In support of the campaign, Deliveroo today published data which showed a 28% uptick in the total number of abusive incidents towards riders in the last six months.
It said that riders had been assaulted and had their deliveries and even their vehicles stolen while completing jobs.
Deliveroo senior vice president of rider and care Camilla Kater said: “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. Let’s give delivery riders the respect they deserve.
“Together with the GMB, we’re urging the government to take action. We also call on other food delivery companies, along with the restaurant and retail partners who depend on delivery couriers, to back the Right to Ride Safely campaign.”
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