Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid email address
SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice
Thanks for signing up to the
Morning Headlines email
{{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}
Valentine’s Day food deliveries are set to be hit by a widespread courier strike as thousands of drivers from popular apps including Deliveroo and Uber Eats plan a walkout.
Delivery Job UK, a grassroots organisation with thousands of members in London, has arranged a strike on 14 February to demand better pay and working conditions. It hopes to highlight the insecurity and subpar pay in the food delivery industry.
Those employed in the delivery driver industry are classified as self-employed, meaning their employees can pay them less than the statutory minimum wage – which currently stands at ￡10.42 an hour.
Delivery Job UK shared on Twitter/X: “This Valentine’s Day strike highlights the growing tensions between gig economy workers and the platforms they work for. As consumers, it’s crucial to consider the conditions under which our conveniences are delivered.
“Let’s stand in solidarity with those fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. It’s more than just a meal at stake – it’s about the dignity and rights of every worker.”
RECOMMENDED
Why is Trump claiming to have made Taylor Swift ‘so much money’?
Undo
Taylor Swift jokes after tripping and nearly falling while performing in Tokyo
Undo
Health Benefits
Central Surgeons Secret to Relieving Tinnitus: Try It Now (Stop doing this)Health Benefits | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
globetip.com
Baby Makes Strange Hand Signals Every Night - Parents Call Doctor After Realizing Whyglobetip.com| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Powered by Taboola Powered by Taboola
UberEats already delivers for a number of supermarkets
(PA)
In November the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, representing gig economy workers, lost their battle in the Supreme Court to be able to unionise and bargain on behalf of riders, as they were deemed not to be “workers”.
Promoted stories
DailyChoices
These Things Are Considered 'Normal' In IcelandDailyChoices Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Delivery drivers in the UK have complained of a lack of clarity and varying payments for jobs which usually offer a flat rate minimum with an additional payment fee.
Rodeo, a data collation app which allows riders to compare their payments, has found earnings were slashed in 2022 and 2023 despite high inflation. Deliveroo does not allow workers to upload their details.
Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Callum Cant from the Internet Institute at the University of Oxford expressed his concerns regarding decreasing wages and a lack of consideration for workers, who he described as “invisible”.
A spokesperson for Deliveroo told the newspaper: “Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections.
“Thousands of people apply to work with Deliveroo each month, rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us.”
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.”
More about Uber Eats Deliveroo pay delivery Valentine's Day
Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
1Comments
1/ 2UK Deliveroo and UberEats drivers to strike on Valentine’s Day
UK Deliveroo and UberEats drivers to strike on Valentine’s Day
UberEats already delivers for a number of supermarkets
UK Deliveroo and UberEats drivers to strike on Valentine’s Day
In November the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain, representing gig economy workers, lost their battle in the Supreme Court to be able to unionise and bargain on behalf of riders
PA
Promoted stories
Jet Li
Jet Li Strikes Again With Massive DealJet Li| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Body Design News
42-year-old man changed drastically in a few months! THIS at Watsons too effective42-year-old man changed drastically in a few months! THIS at Watsons too effectiveBody Design News| Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Outbyte Driver Updater
Most Computer Owners Don't Know This. Do It Today!This Could Be the Most Important Tip You Read This YearOutbyte Driver Updater| Sponsored Sponsored
Click Here
Undo
Read More Comments
Collapse Comments
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in