The Deliveroo boss has just apologised to employees – here's why

Deliveroo was branded “Slaveroo” last week

Deliveroo chief William Shu has apologised to drivers who protested in the capital last week over a pay dispute.

“I’m very sorry things have gone to this point. Our riders are the life blood of our business and without them we are nothing,” Shu told the BBC’s Today programme.

 “This [the new pay plan] is in response to our riders’ number one concern which is flexibility … This was a choice for them. If the riders choose to be on a new scheme that’s great … If riders feel like it’s not for them, they can choose to work on the old scheme as well.”

Deliveroo has been at loggherheads with employees in London over changes to pay terms that the riders said would significantly reduce their earnings.

Yesterday, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said that workers must be paid the “national living wage” of £7.20 an hour. This could change only when a court or HMRC rules that riders are self-employed.

Under the old pay plan, drivers were making £7 an hour plus £1 per delivery. Including tips, riders made £9.20 to £9.30 an hour. Shu expects drivers to earn more through the new pay terms.

Shu also hit out at allegations that riders are pressured to deliver quickly.

“I know exactly what it is like – the hardships and the work involved to be a rider. Under no circumstances are we pressuring people to go super fast on the road,” he said.