Deliveroo officially ceased operations in Hong Kong today (7 April), leaving dozens of delivery riders uncertain over unpaid compensation, with campaigners urging the government to intervene.
At a press conference held by the Riders’ Rights Concern Group, activists revealed they have received 16 cases from riders seeking to claim more than HK$1 million in severance pay, notice in lieu, and sick leave allowances. Most of the affected workers are South Asian workers from Pakistan, Nepal and India, alongside four local riders. All have worked for Deliveroo for over two years, with some having served more than seven years.
Group representative warned that Deliveroo’s voluntary liquidation has created serious legal uncertainty for workers, as the Labour Department has so far only promised to refer cases to the Labour Tribunal. There are also growing concerns that Deliveroo may delete rider data now that it has left the market, undermining the riders’ ability to pursue future claims. The group urged the Labour Department to take proactive steps in assisting the riders. The group hoped the tribunal would follow the precedent set by the Zeek wage arrears case, in which workers were able to access the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund after their employment relationship with the platform was recognised.
Furthermore, four of the 16 cases involved work injuries. One rider, known as “Uncle Hing,” was struck by a bus while delivering an order last September. Despite filing a HK$980 claim with Deliveroo’s insurer, Sedgwick, he has yet to receive any compensation after six months. Another rider, “KK,” was injured in a traffic accident in March and has similarly received no response.
As for the government, it took nearly four years to complete its study on the rights of platform workers — yet the report avoided addressing the core issue of employment relationships and overlooked the experiences of ethnic minority workers. While platform companies can exit the market at any time, workers face daily risks without even basic protections. It is difficult to believe the government is truly committed to improving labour conditions.
Source: The Collective HK