Deliveroo is supporting its 90,000 self-employed riders by signing a “historic” recognition deal with leading trade union GMB.
The GMB said the deal – which recognises that riders for the food and grocery delivery giant are self-employed – was a “blueprint for those working in the self-employed sector”.
It will give Deliveroo riders a number of employment rights, including collective bargaining on pay as well as consultation rights across benefits and other issues, including riders’ health, safety and wellbeing.
Will Shu, Deliveroo founder and chief executive said: “We are delighted to partner with the GMB in this first-of-its-kind voluntary agreement, giving self-employed riders flexibility, guaranteed earnings, representation and benefits.
“Deliveroo has long called for riders to have both flexibility and security and this innovative agreement is exactly the sort of partnership the on-demand economy should be based on.
“This voluntary partnership is based on a shared commitment between the GMB and Deliveroo to rider welfare and wellbeing. Together, we are focusing on what matters most to riders.”
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The union will also be able to represent individual riders who are GMB members in disputes.
GMB’s national officer Mick Rix said: “This deal is the first of its kind in the world.
“Tens of thousands of riders for one of the world’s largest online food delivery services will now be covered by a collective agreement that gives them a voice, including pay talks, guaranteed earnings and representation in times of difficulty.
“Riders deserve respect for the work they do; and Deliveroo deserves praise for developing this innovative agreement with GMB… This is a valuable contribution in making work better and to the future world of work.”
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “After GMB’s breakthrough agreement with Uber last year, this is another landmark agreement that will give Deliveroo riders a real voice at work.
“This GMB and Deliveroo deal will pave the way for improved workers’ rights.
“This is a sign of things to come. Unions are starting to win the fight against insecure work and won’t rest until platform companies across the gig economy agree to work with their staff on improving pay and conditions.
“We need the Government to play its part. UK employment and union law is still not fit for purpose and needs dragging into the 21st century.”
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