Delivery drivers for platforms including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat are set to hold a strike on Valentine’s Day for better pay and conditions.
The riders are classed as self-employed contractors and are not legally entitled to form a union or earn the National Living Wage, which is due to increase to £11.44 in April.
The delivery apps have said riders typically earn equivalent to the National Living Wage or above, but Delivery Jobs UK denied this is the case.
The walkout, which is due to take place between 5pm and 10pm, is organised by Delivery Job UK, which claims to have more than 3,000 supporters in London and several other UK cities.
Delivery Job UK said on X: “We took a stand by sending an open letter to all delivery companies, demanding fair wages for their workers.
“It’s time for these corporations to reassess their profits, as our call for justice goes global. The movement is growing, and change is inevitable.”
In response, a Deliveroo spokesperson told Sky News: “We value dialogue with riders, which is why we have a voluntary partnership agreement with a trade union, which includes annual discussions on pay.
“We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities.”
An Uber Eats spokesperson said: “We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose.
“We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, and we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience.”
A Just Eat spokesperson added: “We take the concerns of all couriers on the Just Eat network extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback.
“Our data shows that couriers delivering for Just Eat earn, on average, significantly over both the London and national living wage for the time they are on an order.”
