Peers are discussing the inclusion of grocery delivery drivers in new retail protection policies during the debate on the Crime and Policing Bill taking place at the House of Lords this week.

Trade union Usdaw submitted evidence to the Home Office of the violations and abuse faced by home delivery drivers.

In response to the debate, Home Office Minister Lord Hanson has agreed to meet Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas before the Report stage.

This marks progress in acquiring necessary protection for grocery delivery drivers, according to the trade union.

“The Crime and Policing Bill includes a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law, and we welcome that the Government continues to progress this important legislation,” said Thomas.

“Usdaw has been a leading force in this campaign for over 20 years, and we are pleased to now have a Government that is finally taking action after years of the Tories and Lib Dems refusing to act.

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Data from a survey of 300 delivery drivers at different retailers found that 77% had been victims of abuse, 13% were assaulted and 26% had declined a delivery due to safety concerns.

Thomas added: “We continue to make the case, along with retail trade bodies and employers, to further explore extending the protection of retail workers law to grocery delivery drivers. They face similar threats to their in-store colleagues but can be more isolated and exposed on customer doorsteps and in the community.

“So, we very much welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister before the Bill moves on to its next stage in the House of Lords.”