A major food delivery firm has abandoned its plans to force “absurd” new contracts on its workforce.
With threats of further strike action, the enforcement of a new contract, which would have seen Deliveroo riders earning half the National Living Wage, has been scrapped.
The riders will stick to their original contract, but have an option to trial the now-voluntary scheme, due to start on Wednesday.
The new scheme will pay riders £3.75 per delivery, compared to the current terms of £7 plus £1 per delivery.
Deliveroo had reportedly told its workforce that there would be no threats of job losses or victimisation against workers who demanded a guaranteed hourly wage.
Tom Hobbert, a Deliveroo rider who took part in the strike, said: “This strike has exposed Deliveroo and their disingenuous methods for what they really are. A week ago Deliveroo were forcing us to sign a new contract under the immediate threat of losing our jobs, and on the false pretence it was a trial.
“Today our strike has secured a guarantee they can go return to work as normal without fear of victimisation.”
Just 280 of the 3000 Deliveroo couriers will be participating in the trial.
Will Shu, Deliveroo founder, had apologised to workers in a statement, saying they were the “life-blood” of the company.
He said: “We have consistently heard from our riders that flexibility is of the utmost importance – and so, the trial of our pay-per-delivery scheme is designed to provide just that.
“For many riders, this means they can study, or take care of their children, they can work on a passion project or for [private hire firm] Addison Lee – it means a less rigid and inflexible existence.”
