GMB Scotland warns of escalating race hate against delivery workers

Delivery riders and taxi drivers are working in fear after an alarming upsurge in racist attacks, according to GMB Scotland.

GMB Scotland demanded action to protect workers after revealing an escalating onslaught of verbal and physical abuse in recent months.

The union has launched a campaign, No Excuse for Abuse, after members reported assaults and threats climbing as far-right activists target communities across Scotland.

Paul McLaughlin, GMB organiser, revealed recent hate-fuelled incidents include a food delivery rider being stabbed and a taxi driver attacked at a petrol station.

He said: “These workers are on our streets providing an important and valued service yet are being terrorised and threatened because of the colour of their skin.

“The level of verbal and physical abuse endured by our members has climbed dramatically in recent months and cannot stand.

“These workers, often alone and vulnerable, demand our gratitude, respect and protection not racist abuse and threats of violence.”

The union warns workers in the gig economy and private hire sector face heightened risks, frequently working alone and late at night, without protection.

It has launched the No Excuse for Abuse campaign to highlight and halt the escalating threats with posters displayed in private hire vehicles and  stickers on delivery bikes.

It is also urging Police Scotland to investigate reported incidents as hate crimes and local authorities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils, to strengthen safeguards in licensing and enforcement systems.

Proposals include mandatory safety screens in all private hire vehicles; food delivery companies to introduce more effective reporting procedures for riders; and joint action between police, councils and employers to protect workers.

McLaughlin said: “No worker should begin their shift in fear and return home relieved to be unhurt.

“These workers are on our streets every day providing a vital service and deserve every possible protection.”

Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob helped launch the campaign after being attacked after a far-right demo at Glasgow Green.

A video of the delivery driver, 31, who was a civil engineer before moving to Scotland where his wife is studying, being racially abused and hit with a traffic cone after an anti-immigration demo at Glasgow Green was viewed around the world. 

He said: “I won’t leave Scotland There are good people who stand beside me but the perpetrators creating this trouble should be held to account.”