“Landmark” union agreement will give Deliveroo workers “a real voice” at work

Commenting on today’s (Thursday) trade union recognition agreement between Deliveroo and the GMB, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Gig economy workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at work.

“After GMB’s breakthrough agreement with Uber last year, this is another landmark agreement that will give Deliveroo riders a real voice at work.

“This GMB and Deliveroo deal will pave the way for improved workers’ rights.

“This is a sign of things to come. Unions are starting to win the fight against insecure work and won’t rest until platform companies across the gig economy agree to work with their staff on improving pay and conditions.

“And we need the government to play its part. UK employment and union law is still not fit for purpose and needs dragging into the 21st century.”

The TUC accused the government of “turning its back” on working people after ministers failed to include an employment bill in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday.

In 2019, the government announced it would bring forward a new employment bill to improve people’s rights at work, but despite committing to the bill on at least 20 occasions, ministers shelved the legislation.