Ocado Zoom drivers update
October 8th Update – Since this blog was first published, we have ended our relationship with existing third party ‘gig economy’ suppliers and offered all drivers employment directly with Ocado. We’re delighted that all of our drivers at Ocado Zoom are now part of our permanent workforce with certainty of hours, competitive remuneration, and access to employee benefits that we believe are market-leading: Ocado pension, life assurance, share scheme participation, employee assistance programme, Ocado.com discount and more. All colleagues also benefit from our union recognition agreement with USDAW.
August 25th Update – Ryde have investigated the specific instances mentioned in the Observer article and have confirmed no drivers delivering for Ocado Zoom are being paid below minimum wage.
We were deeply concerned by the allegations made in the Observer on Sunday 22nd August. We want to reassure our customers that all Ocado.com deliveries are made by Ocado employees, who not only earn significantly more than the minimum wage but receive more than the (higher) living wage too. Overall, 99% of all our drivers are employed by Ocado Group and we are currently looking for more full-time drivers for those people seeking direct employment.
Zoom, Ocado’s one hour groceries delivery service currently operating in West London, partners with third-party delivery partners for some of its deliveries. One of those partners is Ryde who describe themselves as a “rider first” last-mile delivery business, and we work with them because they put the welfare of their self-employed contractors at the heart of everything they do.
Ryde aim to pay 20% above the market average, well ahead of both minimum wage and the London living wage. Over 90% of Ryde drivers currently earn above the London living wage. Driver pay does vary depending on the acceptance and fulfillment of jobs and the average driver pay for Ryde users is currently £12 per hour, above the London living wage of £10.85 an hour.
Ryde strongly refute that any drivers are being paid below minimum wage and are investigating the specific instances mentioned in the article.
We really appreciate your concern and want to reassure you that it’s unacceptable to us at Ocado for any drivers or anyone involved with our business to be paid below the minimum wage. We will continue to work closely with suppliers to ensure our model delivers great outcomes for everyone involved, including everyone delivering orders to Zoom customers.