Union targets Deliveroo in recruitment drive

08 February 2017 by
Union targets Deliveroo in recruitment drive

Battersea and Wandsworth Trades Union Council (BWTUC) is hosting a demonstration today outside the Deliveroo depot in Battersea, London, over the status of self-employed delivery drivers.

The event, which is being held as part of the national TUC heart of unions week, will see the BWTUC talk to delivery drivers about the benefits of being in a trade union.

In a statement, the union said: "Deliveroo young workers are exposed to what is the face of contemporary exploitation in London and will be offered union membership to fight it."

It was reported in City AM last month that law firm Leigh Day is aiding Deliveroo drivers, who are claimed to be self-employed but have to wear branded uniforms and are subject to performance reviews.

Spencer Barnshaw, secretary of BWTUC, said: "Now, more than ever, we must come together to protect our rights and promote equality in the workplace. Deliveroo drivers will be offered a chance to join a union to combat what is the face of the exploitation of young workers in contemporary London."

Trade union membership currently makes up about 25% of the working population in the UK. However, barely 5% of trade union members in the UK are aged 16-24.

"Young workers are some of the most vulnerable, who are particularly affected by low pay, precarious contracts and over-qualification, without opportunities for training and progression." Barnshaw said. "It is essential these young workers have a better understanding of, and are able to participate in, trade unions.

"This means that we need to get better at responding to their needs and organising in ways that benefit them. This will mean organising in different ways, using digital tools and listening to young workers' values and aspirations. If we are unable to involve young workers, we won't have a trade union movement in the future."

Last year, Deliveroo drivers held protests outside the head office in Soho over plans to pay per delivery. The protests sparked when Deliveroo announced changes that would mean drivers would receive £3.75 per delivery, rather than £7 an hour plus £1 per delivery.

Deliveroo drivers protest over pay >>

Deliveroo raises £211m investment for further expansion >>

Deliveroo signs PizzaExpress deal >>

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking