Deliveroo riders protest in York
They're calling for certain safety protections, and a guaranteed living wage.
Last updated 7th Apr 2021
A socially-distanced protest is underway in York, as part of a row over pay and conditions for Deliveroo workers.
The delivery company insists only a "tiny minority" of riders have taken action, but the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain says hundreds have joined action across the country.
Union bosses say riders can earn as little as £2 per hour, although the company says they can earn £13 per hour.
Opening the protest in York, one rider said: "We have been deprived of our rights for as long as Deliveroo has been going.
"Our pay - for one - has been deteriorating consecutively for every six months for as long as I've done this job.
"I think this is the only job I know where you can work really hard, and work long hours, and work as much as much as possible, but you're not appreciated and your pay decreases."
It follows a recent court ruling, resulting in Uber drivers being considered workers.
That means they receive better pay and working conditions, and others in the gig economy are hoping for the same.
Deliveroo says most riders are "satisfied"
A spokeswoman for Deliveroo said: "This small self-appointed union does not represent the vast majority of riders who tell us they value the total flexibility they enjoy while working with Deliveroo alongside the ability to earn over £13 an hour.
"Only yesterday we ran a survey and 89% of riders said that they were happy with the company and flexibility was their priority.
"We are proud that rider satisfaction is at an all-time high and that thousands of people are applying to be Deliveroo riders each and every week.
"Riders are at the heart of our business and today we are beginning a new consultation with riders about how we should invest our new £50 million community fund.''