Deliveroo is calling for the inclusion of delivery riders in the upcoming Crime & Policing Bill to protect them from abuse and violence.
The bill, as set out in the King’s Speech in July, will bring tougher penatlites on those who attack retail workers while going about their job.
As part of the food delivery player’s Right to Ride Safely campaign, which launched today, Deliveroo is calling on government to extend the protections to those carrying out the delivery of goods.
It is also asking that the legislation makes clear that restaurants and other hospitality settings are included in the definition of a retail premise.
Deliveroo’s call comes after it found there had been a 28% increase in the number of abusive incidents towards riders in the past six months, including verbal abuse, racism and sexism, and illegal activity such as theft of an order or rider’s vehicle.
Deliveroo rider Rolston Williams said he had experienced verbal abuse and threats of physical assaults on customers’ doorsteps, particularly when asking for proof of ID for alcohol deliveries.
“I shouldn’t have to worry about my own safety when I’m trying to earn a living, yet I do,” he said. ”Those who are guilty of threatening people who are just doing their job should face repercussions, and the government needs to take the threats we face seriously.”
Deliveroo SVP of rider & 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.”
The campaign has been backed by union GMB and the British Retail Consortium, with the proposals looking to “safeguard the hundreds of thousands of couriers who ride with Deliveroo and other delivery companies”.
GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: “Delivery drivers do a difficult job. They are often on the frontline and bear the brunt of public anger when things go wrong. It’s only right they are given the same, long overdue protections which are now being offered to retail workers.”
BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said: “Delivery drivers are an essential part of everyday life, connecting communities and ensuring people receive the goods they rely on. What they have to face for simply doing their job is completely unacceptable. Our own statistics show that there are 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse every single day in retail.
“These confrontations, whether it is verbal abuse or physical assault, can take a huge toll on victims. And we all know the impact does not stop there – it affects their colleagues, friends, and the family they go home to. Government must ensure the new standalone offence applies to everyone working in consumer-facing roles in retail, not just those working in physical stores.”
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