Getir backs launch of Transport for London Road Safety Charter for those delivering meals or groceries
Turkish rapid grocery delivery firm, Getir, has partnered with Transport for London (TfL) and signed its road safety charter, which has ten principles and looks to address the disproportionate risk faced by motorcycle couriers and pedestrians alike.
According to TfL, between 2017 and 2021, with only 2.6% of vehicle kilometres driven, motorcycles made up 27% of fatal accidents in the capital.
Getir has worked with TfL, Deliveroo, Stuart, Just Eat and Uber eats to develop the safety charter, which is key to Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury from the transport network.
Principles within it include ensuring that couriers meet the legal requirements for working and riding in the UK.
Getir will participate in TfL’s six monthly Meal and Grocery Delivery Company Road Safety Forum where companies will discuss implementation and progress of the charter, and build on ideas to improve road safety.
Karthik Harith, General Manager for Getir in the UK, says: “We are pleased to be supporting the launch of Transport for London's Road Safety Charter for those involved in delivering meals or groceries across London.”
"We take safety very seriously at Getir. That's why all of our couriers receive paid training and sensible targets to ensure that they are as safe on the roads as possible.”
“We are proud to support this charter, building awareness of motorcycle safety and improving welfare for both couriers and other road users."
Under pressure
Getir recently announced a global restructuring initiative, with plans to cut 2,500 jobs across five countries, or 10.9% of its total workforce.
It will continue to operate in Turkey, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.
The company had previously reported its exit from Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
It said in a press statement: “We will restructure the global organisation to significantly increase operational efficiency.”
“The Getir network consists of roughly 23,000 people across five countries. This number includes couriers, pickers, and office employees. Regrettably, we intend to reduce our team and, with a heavy heart, part ways with approximately 2,500 talented employees across our markets.”
It added: “Decisions like these are never taken lightly. However, Getir is determined to do right by all employees affected by the process in line with its values and in full compliance with local laws. We are very grateful to all colleagues for their hard work, dedication, and significant contributions to the business.”
It concluded: “The company remains fully committed to the future of the industry it pioneered eight years ago and will continue to lead it in the future.”
FUNDING ROUND
In July, we reported that Getir was looking to wrap up a major funding round that it hoped would kill rumours about its solvency.
According to a report by Sky News, the capital injection will be led by Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, although it is expected to involve a smaller sum than the $500 million reported several months ago.
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