UK trade union GMB and Deliveroo have signed what they’re billing as an “historic union recognition deal” covering the company’s more than 90,000 self-employed riders.

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement will see GMB have rights to collective bargaining on pay and consultation rights on benefits and other issues, including riders’ health, safety and wellbeing.

GMB will also be able to represent individual riders who are GMB members in disputes.

The agreement recognises that Deliveroo riders are self-employed, following a series of UK court judgements which have confirmed this status.

Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said: “This deal is the first of its kind in the world. Tens of thousands of riders for one of the world’s largest online food delivery services will now be covered by a collective agreement that gives them a voice and representation in times of difficulty.

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“Riders deserve respect for the work they do, and Deliveroo deserves praise for developing this innovative agreement with GMB - a blueprint for those working in the platform self-employed sector.”

Deliveroo founder Will Shu (pictured) stated: “This is a valuable contribution in making work better and to the future world of work

“We are delighted to partner with the GMB in this first-of-its-kind voluntary agreement, giving self-employed riders flexibility, guaranteed earnings, representation and benefits.

“Deliveroo has long called for riders to have both flexibility and security and this innovative agreement is exactly the sort of partnership the on-demand economy should be based on.

“Deliveroo was amongst the first platforms to offer riders free insurance, which we have extended to cover periods of illness and support for new parents, and we are proud to be able to build on that with this new partnership.”

Deliveroo riders will not automatically become GMB members. They will have to sign up as members through the usual channels.

In the UK, Deliveroo riders are currently paid the National Living Wage, plus costs, while on an order. This pay floor will be guaranteed as part of the agreement and will be discussed annually with the GMB.