Deliveroo Ireland are “appalled and concerned” by recent “horrendous assaults” against delivery riders.
In a press release launching their new ‘Rider Respect Charter’ the company highlighted their concerns about the uptick in attacks on delivery riders in Ireland.
“No one should ever face abuse simply carrying out their work or being on the road,” Deliveroo Ireland Regional Director Helen Maher wrote.
“We will continue to call on authorities for better protections and do everything we can to create a safer environment for our riders.”
Industry first
The new ‘Rider Respect Charter’ is an industry first – pledging “positive relationships between restaurants and riders in the country”.
Deliveroo said the charter “aims to create a more respectful and professional environment while also helping the delivery process to run more smoothly”.
“It sets out a number of criteria and principles which both riders and restaurants agree to abide by and is expected to enhance working conditions, reduce wait times and promote smoother interactions between all parties,” the company’s press release said.
“Developed in response to direct feedback from riders and restaurant and grocery partners, the Rider Respect Charter builds on Deliveroo’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and clear communication.
“It builds on the existing community guidelines and processes, to create a set of core principles that will be integrated and upheld by riders and partners, to help improve the rider and restaurant partner relationship.”
Key principles of the Rider Respect Charter include:
- Treat everyone the way in which you would like to be treated
- Be courteous and act professionally towards each other
- Communicate openly
- Permit access to facilities where applicable
- Be patient and be open to feedback
- Work together to achieve operational excellence and reduce restaurant wait times
Dozens of national restaurants and prominent independent restaurants have signed up - including Elephant & Castle, Yeeros, Wowburger, Mad Egg and Dash Burger.
Fostering respect
“With the Rider Respect Charter, we aim to create a platform that others can look to for leadership on how to foster respect and collaboration,” Ms Maher said.
“This Charter reflects our ambition to be not just a delivery service but a supportive community for everyone involved.
Ms Maher said the charter is “about more than just setting guidelines”; it is about “establishing a culture” where all interactions between riders and restaurants are “respectful, efficient and positive”.
A Deliveroo rider waiting for a Luas tram to pass in Dublin, 24-8-20. Image: Andy Gibson / Alamy
