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Deliveroos’ new proposed pay deal has been branded as a “return to Victorian Britain” by the Labour party.

Delivery riders face being paid per delivery rather than per hour if the London-based firm’s proposition comes into play next week.

New plans would see employees earn £3.75-per-delivery rather than their current wage of £7-per-hour plus £1 for each delivery.

Hundreds of the company’s workers protested in central London on Thursday and Friday over the reported plans.

The company delivers food from thousands of restaurants which do not have their own delivery service and counts the likes of Pizza Express, Byron burgers and Gourmet Burger Kitchen among its clients.

It charges customers £2.50 per delivery for its service.

Shadow business secretary Jon Trickett attacked the firm's reported plans and backed the staff in their protest.

He said workers were “right to demand proper pay and conditions”.

"The company is offering a return to a Victorian system which has no place in modern Britain,” he added.

"Flexible working may suit some workers who have domestic or other commitments, but it should not be used as an excuse by employers to cut costs and increase employees' insecurity.

"After all, rent, fuel bills and food costs don't vary week to week so nor should incomes purely to suit the employer.”

Mr Trickett claimed the Labour party would “take action in government to end exploitative employment practices”.

Londoners took to Twitter to support the demo.

Tony Browne said: "Loving the @Deliveroo riders' strike so hard right now. Need a complete rethink of the 'sharing economy'."

Jon Kelly added: "Applied to @Deliveroo for job find they are on strike over £3.75 a delivery rather than fixed £7 an hour plus £1 a delivery so won't bother."



Deliveroo insisted the plans were a trial in certain areas of London with around 280 riders taking part, out of more than 3,000 across the capital.

In a blog post, it said pilots of the pay-per-delivery system have led to a doubling of average hourly fees for riders during the busiest times.

Deliveroo's UK & Ireland managing director Dan Warne said: "We want to be clear that this is a trial happening in certain parts of London.

"We are engaging with riders who work within those trial areas to get their feedback and listen to their concerns.

"We're committed to having an open conversation about our trial, our payment model and delivery experience for riders".