Deliveroo hails benefits of its roles for over-50s
Work and welfare minister Mel Stride participated in a roundtable conversation alongside Deliveroo couriers.
Mel Stride, the secretary for work and pensions, participated in a meeting with Deliveroo riders to talk about important matters.
Deliveroo has introduced an outreach initiative targeted at individuals above 50 years of age who want to rejoin the workforce. It emphasizes the adaptable nature of its rider positions.
An important aspect of the government's employment plan focuses on providing assistance to a larger number of individuals above the age of 50 in reentering the workforce. This initiative arises from the realization that numerous older employees have not resumed their employment following the Covid-19 outbreak.
Based on data from the Office for National Statistics, approximately 8.6 million individuals in the United Kingdom, which amounts to one-fifth of working adults, are not engaged in economic activities. Furthermore, of this particular group, over 3.4 million individuals are aged between 50 and retirement age.
The ONS discovered in the previous year that the over-50s faced challenges such as lifestyle choices and a need for increased adaptability when attempting to rejoin the job market after a break.
According to Deliveroo, their employment opportunity is perfect for individuals of an advanced age who are reentering the job market. This is because their delivery riders have the freedom to decide when and for how long they wish to work, even during unconventional periods when they may have caregiving duties, for instance.
The need for adaptable employment at Deliveroo has experienced a surge of 62% in the quantity of riders who are above the age of 50 from 2021 to 2023.
To initiate its campaign, the organization organized a panel conversation with Deliveroo couriers and the minister in charge of work and pensions, Mel Stride, in order to gain insights into the advantages of flexible employment and why it appealed to them.
Stride expressed that the government is dedicating a significant amount of money to aid in job creation and stimulate the economy. However, businesses are also expected to play their part in this initiative. This is why it is encouraging to witness Deliveroo drawing attention to the flexible job options available for individuals over the age of 50, while also acknowledging the advantages that employment offers people of all age groups.
Camilla Kater, Senior Vice President of Rider and Care at Deliveroo, stated: "Deliveroo offers an excellent choice for individuals seeking flexible work, and we're delighted that the Secretary of Work and Pensions had the opportunity to learn about the positive encounters of our incredible riders today. We trust that their narratives, alongside our campaign to raise awareness, will motivate others to reintegrate into the labor market in a manner that sustains and rewards them."
Abdul Javaid, a 51-year-old Deliveroo cyclist, usually works for Deliveroo for about two to three days per week. This is his initial job after experiencing a health issue, and he believes that cycling is an excellent method to assist in his recuperation.
Javaid stated, "Working as a Deliveroo rider has given me the chance to make money while managing my busy family and personal life. Additionally, it contributes to my fitness. As someone with a grandchild and a strong focus on family, Deliveroo's flexible work arrangement enables me to choose suitable hours and spend quality time with my loved ones in an adaptable manner."
According to a recent research conducted by Aviva, only 10% of employers provided specialized assistance to retain employees who are 50 years old or above.
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Ashleigh is the editor for OHW+ and the HR and wellbeing editor for Personnel Today. Her primary interests revolve around the health and wellbeing of employees, promoting equality and inclusion, and aiding in skill development. As a seasoned professional, Ashleigh has conducted numerous webinars for Personnel Today, tackling various subjects such as employee retention, financial wellness, and offering support for individuals experiencing menopause. Before becoming a part of the Personnel Today team in 2018, she specialized in covering the road transport industry for publications like Commercial Motor and Motor Transport magazines. Her work involved shedding light on the employment and wellbeing challenges faced by those in the road haulage sector.
