Deliveroo Launches ‘Right to Ride Safely’ Campaign to Protect Delivery Riders

Deliveroo has launched its ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign, a powerful call for the Government to extend the protections offered to retail workers to the delivery riders who form the backbone of the UK’s retail and hospitality sectors. Backed by major players like the GMB Union and the British Retail Consortium, the campaign urges the Government to amend the upcoming Crime & Policing Bill to include specific protections for couriers, who are facing an alarming rise in abusive incidents while on the job.

The Crime & Policing Bill, as outlined in the King’s Speech, introduces provisions for safeguarding retail workers against assault or threats while on duty. However, it falls short of offering similar protections for the essential delivery riders who serve across the UK, many of whom are left vulnerable to verbal abuse, theft, and even physical assault.

Deliveroo is asking the Government to expand the bill's scope, applying the protections from when riders accept an order, all the way through their delivery journey until the handover to the consumer. In addition, the company is seeking clarification that restaurants and hospitality settings should be included in this legislation's definition of a ‘retail premise’.

Recent statistics provided by Deliveroo reveal a concerning 28% increase in abusive incidents reported by riders over the past six months. These incidents range from verbal abuse and discriminatory language, to illegal activities such as theft and assault. Riders have shared stories of harassment, including one rider being threatened when asking for ID during an alcohol delivery, and another being assaulted by a customer under the influence.

Rider safety is becoming an increasingly important issue. Rolston Williams, a 58-year-old rider from Nottinghamshire, describes the fear and anxiety he faces while completing deliveries. “I shouldn’t have to worry about my safety when trying to earn a living,” he said. “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.”

The ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign is not just a call for legislative change but a demand for respect and dignity for the hundreds of thousands of riders who play a crucial role in keeping the UK’s economy ticking. Emiliana, a rider from Kent, shared her experience of being assaulted by teenagers who threw milkshakes at her while she was riding, leaving her shocked, hurt, and unable to continue working until she could change her drenched clothes.

Camilla Kater, SVP of Rider & Care at Deliveroo, emphasised the need for urgent action, stating, “No one should feel unsafe while working. Riders play an invaluable role in their local communities, and including protections for delivery riders in the Bill will send the strongest signal that we all value them and that these crimes will not be tolerated.”

The GMB Union has expressed strong support for the campaign. The union has been working with Deliveroo since signing an industry-first union recognition agreement, collaborating on initiatives to improve rider safety and welfare. This includes the introduction of the Respect Charter earlier this year, which sets out a commitment to fostering positive relationships between riders and restaurants. Major restaurant chains, such as Wagamama and Wingstop, and supermarkets including The Co-op and Whole Foods have already signed the charter.

In addition to its advocacy for legislative change, Deliveroo has introduced several measures to protect its riders, including access to the Flare app for reporting incidents and discreetly calling for help, the ability for riders to block troublesome customers, and the option to unassign from a delivery if they feel unsafe.

The Labour Party has also shown its support for the campaign. Anneliese Midgley, MP for Knowsley, stated, “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 now offered to retail workers.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has echoed this sentiment, with Chief Executive Helen Dickinson noting that delivery drivers are “an essential part of everyday life, connecting communities and ensuring people receive the goods they rely on.” Dickinson continued, “The impact of violence and abuse is profound and far-reaching—government must ensure that the new standalone offence applies to everyone working in consumer-facing roles in retail, not just those in physical stores.”

As Deliveroo’s ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign gains traction, it is clear that the time for action is now. As the number of abusive incidents continues to rise, the Government’s failure to include delivery riders in the Crime & Policing Bill would send a dangerous message about the value placed on those who play such a vital role in the nation’s economy. Will the Government respond, or will delivery riders remain vulnerable to abuse while doing their essential work? The answer could reshape the safety of millions of workers across the UK.