Deliveroo UK riders protest poor safety and pay

Riders for meal delivery company Deliveroo have been holding strikes in London and cities across the UK to protest against the company's poor pay, safety and workers' rights record. 

Despite Deliveroo's claim of paying over GBP 13 per hour, riders argue that actual earnings can fall below GBP 12 an hour due to factors like extended waiting times and traffic conditions. Riders also described their working conditions as "soul-destroying," citing long hours and lack of job security, and complained of regular attacks by moped gangs attempting to rob them.

The UK's top court had earlier ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as 'workers' rather than 'self-employed', raising significant questions about Deliveroo's business model.

The strike coincided Deliveroo public listing on London's stock exchange. The largest IPO in London since 2011, the company's stock price fell 26 percent on its first day due to concerns about employment conditions and the outsize control given to Deliveroo founder Will Shu. 

The listing was described by a banker as 'the worst IPO in London's history'.