Better protection is needed for Britain’s army of takeaway delivery riders after a sudden spike in attacks over recent months.
New laws to protect retail staff are set to come into force next year but those making outside deliveries are set to be excluded.
In response online food giant Deliveroo has launched a ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign after a 28% increase in incidents against delivery riders being reported in the past six months.
They are calling on the Government to include better protections for the growing number of delivery riders in its upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
The campaign has been backed by MPS, GMB union and the British Retail Consortium, who say the proposals would safeguard the hundreds of thousands of couriers who ride with Deliveroo and other delivery companies.
The new figures show workers are facing an increasing torrent of verbal abuse, reports of racism and sexism and illegal activity such as theft of an order, a rider’s bike, or their delivery equipment.
The Government has committed to creating a standalone offence of assaulting or threatening a retail worker when they’re at their place of work, but the Crime and Policing Bill in its current form stops short of specifically protecting delivery riders when they are out on delivery.
That is despite delivery riders being crucial to the UK high street and local economies.
Rolston Williams, 58, a Deliveroo rider from Nottinghamshire, said he had experienced verbal abuse and threats of physical assaults on customers’ doorsteps, particularly when asking for proof of ID for alcohol deliveries.
He said: “I shouldn’t have to worry about my own safety when I’m trying to earn a living, yet I do. “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.”
Emiliana, who has ridden for Deliveroo in Kent since 2018, has had two motorcycles stolen. She was also assaulted by teenagers who threw milkshakes over her as she rode down the street.
She said: “I want all riders to feel safe working, and the police should have more power to protect riders who face abuse.”
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, 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.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, added: “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.
“Government must ensure the new standalone offence applies to everyone working in consumer-facing roles in retail, not just those working in physical stores.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “There is no excuse for assaulting people in any line of work and we would urge the police to use the full extent of their powers to bring perpetrators to justice. Further details on the Crime and Policing Bill will be set out in due course.”
