Dismissals of app-based courier and private hire driver workers

Early day motion 1110, tabled 9 November 2020 by Ian Byrne (Labour). Signed by 72 members.

That this House condemns the opaque and unjust process by which app-based couriers and private hire drivers working for companies such as UBER and Deliveroo can be blocked permanently from their accounts and thus effectively dismissed from their jobs; recognises that couriers and private hire drivers are key workers who are working on the frontline of the covid-19 pandemic and are often putting their own health at risk in the process; recognises that that practice of dismissal is leaving many key workers on low-incomes facing potential destitution; notes that transparency is lacking both in terms of what is expected of workers in those industries and around the reasons for their dismissal; further notes that workers are facing dismissal and destitution for reasons beyond their control such as technical issues with the company’s app; notes that such dismissals can be triggered by unfounded customer allegations or traffic delays, regardless of the worker’s length or quality of service; calls for all app-based companies to end unfair dismissals by implementing fair dismissal processes, including a hearing prior to dismissal, and the right to appeal a dismissal with union representation.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Scottish National Party 11, Liberal Democrat 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Green 1.