The Urgent Need for Reform in Food Delivery App Policies

A recent BBC investigation has uncovered a troubling trend in the gig economy: underage teenagers working as delivery riders, bypassing legal age restrictions.  

This alarming practice came into sharp focus following the tragic death of a 17-year-old boy who was working as a Deliveroo rider, despite being below the 18-year-old age limit. 

The Loophole

The root of this issue lies in the policy of substitution adopted by food delivery apps. While couriers are thoroughly vetted in most cases, as they hold self-employed status, they can legally get others to deliver for them.  

However, the responsibility to ensure these substitutes are legally allowed to work falls on the original account holder, not the apps themselves. This loophole has inadvertently led to a black-market trade in delivery app accounts, where accounts are sold or rented, often to underage individuals or illegal workers. 

This presents unique challenges in maintaining compliance. 

Risks and Dangers for Young Workers

Underage workers in the food delivery industry face numerous risks. They often navigate hazardous traffic conditions, work long hours, and carry heavy loads, all while lacking adequate legal protections.  

This lack of oversight leaves these young riders vulnerable to exploitation and without proper insurance or health and safety measures, compounding the dangers they face on the job. 

The real-life implications of this loophole are grave. Delivery riders in areas like Coventry, dubbed the UK's "most dangerous" city for delivery workers, highlight theft and violence as potentially common aspects of the role.

The Call for Reform

In response to these revelations, government officials and concerned stakeholders are urging food delivery apps to reform their policies. The goal is to ensure all riders, including substitutes, are properly verified and meet the legal working criteria.  

Of the big three delivery firms (Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo), only Uber Eats has a suitable policy to ensure this loophole can’t be exploited. When nominating a substitute driver, they must set up a ‘Delegate’ account, where identity and compliance checks are carried out on the substitute. 

Whilst this isn’t foolproof, (the BBC found Uber Eats accounts available to rent in their investigation) it is much harder to exploit than the system at the other two firms. 

Deliveroo and Just Eat have a substitution policy, but all the responsibility is placed on the original account holder. The original rider is responsible for ensuring the substitute meets all requirements to work with Deliveroo, including being over 18, having the right to work in the UK, and no unspent criminal convictions. 

It is crucial that all companies in this sector take proactive measures to close these loopholes. By doing so, they can better protect vulnerable workers, particularly underage individuals, and ensure that their platforms are not misused. By implementing more rigorous verification processes and taking greater responsibility for compliance, these companies can foster a safer and more ethical working environment.