Deliveroo offers riders free childcare hours via Bubble app and new education programme with Lynx Educate

Deliveroo is offering 15 hours of free childcare to 1,000 riders through a new partnership with the Bubble mobile app, with the aim of enabling people to work at the times that are right for them.

Riders will also be able to choose from more than 1,500 online educational courses through Lynx Educate.

A recent survey of Deliveroo riders in the UK and Ireland found that the majority with caring responsibilities look after children (88%), and would find care support useful (81%). 

Sayim Ulus, a rider and father from London, says: “This partnership shows that Deliveroo recognises the importance of family care and is actively working to support riders like me.”

“Being a father and a rider, the new free childcare hours will help balance work and family life which can sometimes be a challenge for many riders.”

Ari Last, CEO at Bubble, says: "We're really proud to be working with Deliveroo on this partnership which recognises the vital importance of care to a large proportion of riders.”

“We are thrilled to help riders be better able to work flexibly and efficiently; plus we know the benefits of offering this type of support has a hugely positive impact on wellbeing and fulfilment."

The partnership with Lynx Educate, meanwhile, offers a range of educational courses for riders globally, providing opportunities for both them and their family members to broaden their learning and upskill for future careers while working flexibly with Deliveroo.

People can choose from more than 1,500 online courses, and can study around their schedules - accessing a range of courses from business management and coding to project management and photography.

They will benefit from 14 different language courses including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, and Japanese.

Deliveroo will also sponsor 100 riders to take higher qualification certificates ranging from web development to cooking. 

These initiatives build on Deliveroo's partnership with City & Guilds. Since the launch of its Academy in 2018, over 2,000 riders have completed short courses and foundation level degree courses, and 20 riders have been placed in railway apprenticeship roles.

Aaron, a Deliveroo rider and freelance graphic designer, completed a web development course.

He says: "Between Deliveroo and my OpenClassroom course, I was able to work and study completely flexibly, and set my own schedule. The web development programme helped me grow in confidence and learn new skills that set me up to land a fantastic new job opportunity.”

Sylvie Milverton, CEO at Lynx Educate, says: "We are excited to be partnering with Deliveroo to invest in their riders' skills development.”

“Through this partnership, riders and their family members have a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful learning programs and explore their career interests. We share Deliveroo's commitment to offering education as a way to support and show appreciation for their valued riders around the world."

Camilla Kater, SVP of Care and Rider at Deliveroo, says:  “We’re committed to investing in our riders' development, welfare, and future, and the flexible work we offer is often a stepping stone to progress in other careers, or a way to juggle earning with caring responsibilities.”

“The new free childcare offering not only gives parents more flexibility and opportunity to ride when they want, but means they can use the time in their busy lives to develop through our expanded education and skills programme.”

“Alongside this platform, these new initiatives provide our riders with a unique opportunity to think about the future, upskill, and broaden their learning.”

Tom Warnett, GMB Deliveroo Lead, says: “GMB and our courier representatives are working hard to ensure the on-demand food delivery sector is well paid, safe and provides long-term career opportunities.”

“GMB welcomes this initiative as something we know is very important to riders. This is a positive step and there is a lot more work to do.”