The Labour Group has raised the following matter:

“The council notes the recent arrival of UberEats and the upcoming arrival of Deliveroo to the district. The rise of the gig economy allows companies to avoid their responsibilities as employers and promote low paid, zero hours contracts further entrenching our residents in poverty.

The Council also notes that such businesses and in turn the businesses they deliver for, only help fuel an already rising obesity crises within the district.

The Council also notes that a number of established food outlets with a delivery service are already feeling the impact from corporate fast food chains entering the delivery market.

This Council believes that if UberEats and Deliveroo are to operate in the district then they should be accessible to all local businesses not just the large corporations and offer a wide range of choice.

This Council believes that these companies through social media are using targeted advertising to promote instant fast food which will in turn fuel an already rising obesity crises in the district.

This Council believes that UberEats and Deliveroo must operate within the law, observing their rights of employers and that their workers must be treated accordingly.

This Council believes that UberEats and Deliveroo ability to trade in the district should not be to the detriment of already established businesses.

This Council resolves to:

1)     Ask the Leader of the Council to consider writing to the Secretary of State for business Greg Clark MP, to note this Council’s concerns with UberEats and Deliveroo regarding the following:

a)    That workers are all registered to work in the UK and are being paid at least the UK living wage

b)    That these employers recognise a trade union and respect membership.

c)    That these employers pay their employees the same wage for the same work, regardless of age.

d)    That all workers have equal rights from day one, including sick pay, paid holiday, and protection from unfair dismissal.

e)    That their process on working with and promoting smaller businesses interested in using their service is reasonable and fair.

f)     That they will not use targeted social media advertising to promote unhealthy eating habits.

g)    That as employers they will refrain from making deductions from tips, so staff get to keep 100%, and customers know who their money is going to.

h)    That they will refrain from taking a cut of any tips paid via card.

Council resolves to adopt the issue raised by opposition business, provided that the decision, so made, is within the Policy Framework and Budget, and is within the power of the Council to make the decision”.

Debates on opposition business shall be limited to 15 minutes.  If the time limit is reached or the debate concludes earlier, the leader of the group raising the item shall have a right of reply.

The Council shall:

a)        Note the issue raised and take no further action;

b)        Refer the issue to the cabinet or relevant overview and scrutiny committee, as the case may be for their observations before deciding whether to make a decision on the issue;

c)        Agree to examine the matter as part of a future scrutiny programme;

d)        Adopt the issue raised by opposition business provided that the decision so made is within the policy framework and budget.

Councillor McConville, on behalf of the Labour Group outlined the Opposition business which asked the Leader of the council to consider writing to the Secretary of State for business Greg Clark MP, to note this Council’s concerns with UberEats and Deliveroo regarding the following:

a)    That workers are all registered to work in the UK and are being paid at least the UK living wage

b)    That these employers recognise a trade union and respect membership.

c)    That these employers pay their employees the same wage for the same work, regardless of age.

d)    That all workers have equal rights from day one, including sick pay, paid holiday, and protection from unfair dismissal.

e)    That their process on working with and promoting smaller businesses interested in using their service is reasonable and fair.

f)      That they will not use targeted social media advertising to promote unhealthy eating habits.

g)    That as employers they will refrain from making deductions from tips, so staff get to keep 100%, and customers know who their money is going to.

h)    That they will refrain from taking a cut of any tips paid via card.

Proposed by Councillor McConville,

Seconded by Councillor Dorrell; and

RESOLVED:

Option (d) – That the Council adopt the issue raised by opposition business provided that the decision, so made, is within the Policy Framework and Budget and is within the power of the Council to make the decision.

(Voting figures: 14 for, 10 against, 4 abstentions).