Deliveroo and Uber Eats riders are set to strike on Valentine’s Day to demand improved working conditions and better pay.
The industrial action will impact four food apps, and is thought to involve around 3,000 drivers and riders between 5 pm and 10 pm on Wednesday, February 14.
One cyclist taking part in the strike told the BBC their pay was ‘absolutely ridiculous.’ Another said the ‘conditions are shocking’. But Deliveroo said its riders ‘always earn at least the national living wage.’
A grassroots group of couriers has organised the action to draw attention to what has been described as poor pay and working conditions for gig economy workers across the UK.
The group, Delivery Job UK posted on its Instagram page: “Sacrificing a few hours for our rights is essential, instead of continuing to work incessantly for insufficient wages,”
“Our request is simple: we want fair compensation for the work we do. We are tired of being exploited and risking our lives every day… It’s time for our voices to be heard.”
Delivery Job UK claimed its delivery riders were braving the ‘cold, rain and absurd distances’ for deliveries paying ‘ridiculous values’, ranging from £2.80 to £3.15.
A spokesman for the group told the BBC striking Deliveroo riders wanted an increase to a minimum of £5. The other companies use different pricing structures.
“They [Deliveroo] have lowered their fees. There’s no incentive anymore. On a Friday night, you could make £100 over 4-5 hours, now that’s gone,” the spokesman said.
He also claimed couriers were exposed to “a lot of violence on the streets”, especially in the evenings.
Concerns have also been raised as workers say they feel ‘incredibly isolated’, and the type of work attracts a lot of migrant workers who are ‘unable’ to challenge the conditions and are sometimes ‘forced into it.’
In a statement, Deliveroo said it offered its riders self-employed, flexible work, alongside protections.
“Riders always earn at least the national living wage, plus vehicle costs, for the time they are working with us, though the vast majority earn far more than this,” it said.
“Riders are also automatically insured for free, covering them if they are in an accident or injured while working and receive income protection if they are unwell and cannot work.”
Uber Eats told the BBC it offered a ‘flexible way’ for couriers to earn by using its app ‘when and where they choose’.
What is the ‘Gig Economy’?
The ‘gig economy’ is a labour market which sees individuals trade their time and skills through online platforms or apps as a form of paid employment. In most cases ‘gig workers’ are paid for each ‘gig’ – for example, a food delivery or car journey, rather than a regular wage or time spent working.
The amount the worker is paid can also depend on other factors such as demand at the time of the job, or the route taken to carry out the work.
Gig Economy Worker vs. Self-Employed – What’s the difference?
It is important to work out your employment status in the gig economy to determine your rights. In some cases, you may be classed as ‘self-employed’ which means you will have fewer protections than workers.
To determine your employment status, you should review your contract. In most cases, if you have to personally undertake the ‘gig’ and are not allowed to send someone else in your place, you are likely classed as a ‘worker’, rather than self-employed. If the company closely controls your work such as when, where and how to work this also suggests you are a worker. But, if you can pick and choose your ‘gigs’ and set the prices you charge, then you might be ‘self-employed’.
In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled Uber drivers must be treated as workers rather than self-employed.
Gig Worker Rights
If you have determined that you are classified as a worker, you are eligible for certain employment rights:
Workers are not usually entitled to:
Gig Economy jobs
Common gig economy jobs include:
- Food services
- Taxi drivers
- Dog walkers
- Cleaners
- Hospitality
Further reading
Employment terms and breach of contract – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
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