A comprehensive study has unveiled concerning risks encountered by food delivery couriers in Scotland, with the majority reporting feeling unsafe at work, and every woman surveyed revealing experiences of sexual harassment or abuse.
The study, titled “Fair Gig Work: A Review of Employment Practices in the Scottish Food Delivery Work 2024,” was conducted by co-investigators Dr. Anastasios Hadjisolomou from the University of Strathclyde and Dr. Nadia Kougiannou from Nottingham Trent University. Led by Dr. Pedro Mendonca from the Center for Employment, Work, and the Professions (CREWs) at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School, this two-year project gathered insights from 207 food delivery workers, including 33 women, across various cities in Scotland.
Key findings from the study indicate that over 81% of respondents felt unsafe in their job but continued due to financial necessity, with 78% believing that their employers prioritize customer needs over employee welfare. Additionally, more than 60% reported experiencing racial or ethnic abuse, and 55% faced physical abuse, mainly stemming from road incidents and accidents.
Dr. Mendonca emphasized, “Our findings shed light on the daily realities faced by food delivery couriers. A significant portion of the workforce comprises migrants who encounter multiple barriers, daily abuse, and limited opportunities for alternative employment in safer environments. It is crucial to understand these nuanced challenges to ensure equal protection for all workers.”
The surge in the food courier sector post-COVID has witnessed a proliferation of restaurants, stores, and food delivery companies offering direct-to-customer services via telephone, websites, or mobile apps. Despite being a vital entry point into the labor market, employment in this sector serves as the primary income source for 48% of surveyed individuals, particularly migrant workers. However, the study highlights a lack of essential policies to protect employees, thus normalizing unfair practices.
Migrant workers, constituting a significant proportion of the workforce, face obstacles such as qualification recognition, visa constraints, and language proficiency, which limit their ability to pursue alternative career paths.
Dr. Mendonca is urging the Scottish Government to implement safeguards that bolster workers’ rights. “The Scottish Government should advocate for the formal recognition of food delivery couriers as employees, ensuring access to full employment rights such as sick leave, parental leave, holiday entitlement, and the opportunity to join trade unions,” he asserted.
The report features firsthand accounts from food delivery couriers, including “Jordan” and “Jay,” who shared their experiences of threats and dangerous work conditions on the job.
Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), echoed calls for enhanced employment protections for delivery couriers. “This report underscores the alarming abuse suffered by food delivery couriers, which demands urgent government intervention,” she emphasized. “To achieve our goal of becoming a Fair Work Nation by 2025, the exploitative practices highlighted in Dr. Mendonca’s research must be addressed and eradicated.”
The study’s findings highlight the pressing need for legislative action to ensure the safety and fair treatment of food delivery workers across Scotland.
