Delivery firm axes 20 staff

DELIVERY drivers across Glasgow have been sacked over fraud allegations days before Christmas.

Around 20 Deliveroo workers were fired this week after the company accused them of not delivering orders and misleading the company.

The couriers dispute the claims and have asked for evidence to be provided.

TWENTY courier drivers have been sacked just days before Christmas after being accused of fraud by a worldwide delivery service.

Deliveroo drivers in Glasgow are among hundreds of staff across the UK who have been fired this week.

The company claims workers have given false information about the delivery status of food items.

The workers, most of whom dispute the claims, have been locked out of accessing the company’s rider system to contact management. They have instead been asked to email head office for explanation of their sacking.

Workers have expressed their disappointment at the decision, with estimates suggesting this represents one-fifth of the regular couriers in the city.

Sebastien Plocharska, 46, has been a Deliveroo driver for around 18 months.

He says he has not been made aware of any complaints about his conduct and was not made aware of any investigations into his work.

He added: “I do not understand these fraud accusations. I have never had any problems. I did not do these things.

“I am very disappointed and was given no warning. They did not get in touch with us.”

IWW Couriers Network, the union representing staff have said they are very suspicious of these allegations.

They say all former workers who have contacted them have had their requests for further information rejected, with no recourse to appeal.

Organiser Chris Fear said: “Staff seemed to receive the same template email accusing them of fraud.

“This seems like a cynical move to keep staff turnover high and stop workers from organising.”

Deliveroo reiterated these sackings were the result of internal investigations spanning months.

‘‘ This seems like a cynical move to keep staff turnover high

However, they could not guarantee that all workers had been made aware of the questions into their conduct.

A company spokesman added: “Deliveroo will always tackle fraud head on to protect our customers and the vast majority of hardworking riders.

“Anyone who falsely claims to have delivered food to customers denies people the food they have paid for and the great service they rightly expect.

“We are proud of the amazing work our riders do and will not allow this to be undermined by a tiny number of riders who have committed fraud.”