Deliveroo has initiated a campaign urging the government for enhanced safety measures for delivery riders, amid rising abuse incidents.
- The ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign seeks amendments to the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill to include specific protections for delivery couriers.
- Incidents of harassment, theft, and assault against riders have significantly increased, prompting this advocacy.
- Deliveroo collaborates with the GMB trade union and the British Retail Consortium to bolster support for the cause.
- The campaign also stresses the need for clear legislation that includes restaurants and hospitality venues as retail premises.
In a strong call for change, Deliveroo has launched the ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign, advocating for legislative reforms in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill that would offer greater protection to delivery riders. The initiative is driven by a substantial rise in violent incidents affecting couriers, with a reported 28% increase in abusive cases over the past six months alone. These incidents range from verbal harassment and racism to more severe threats and physical assaults, underscoring the urgent need for improved safeguards.
Deliveroo, alongside influential bodies such as the GMB trade union and the British Retail Consortium, is pushing for the extension of a proposed law that currently only protects retail workers. The campaign demands that this protection cover delivery riders from the moment they accept an order to the final delivery, ensuring their safety throughout the entire process. This reflects the critical role delivery workers play in the community, making their protection a priority.
Statistics shared by Deliveroo show alarming trends, including theft of bikes and orders, alongside verbal and physical threats. The campaign emphasizes specific incidents, such as an attempted robbery where a courier was threatened for asking a customer for identification. These occurrences highlight the vulnerabilities faced by riders daily, prompting calls for swift governmental action.
Deliveroo’s appeal stresses the inclusion of hospitality venues within the retail premises definition. This clarification is crucial to ensuring comprehensive coverage under the law, preventing any gaps that could leave riders exposed to risk. By advocating for such inclusions, Deliveroo seeks to reinforce the safety net for those serving the community against rising crime.
Camilla Kater, Deliveroo’s SVP of rider and care, echoes this sentiment: ‘No one should feel unsafe while working. Riders are invaluable to their communities, and safeguarding them through this bill would demonstrate our collective esteem for their work.’ Her statement encapsulates the campaign’s core message, rallying additional support from other delivery companies and retail partners.
Deliveroo’s campaign underscores an urgent need for legislative action to secure the safety of delivery riders amidst increasing risks.
