Deliveroo to offer M&S deliveries from BP fuel stations to self-isolated

Deliveroo has announced a new partnership with Marks & Spencer and BP to offer delivery of essential food items from BP forecourts to households in self-isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The service will be rolled out from 120 M&S franchise stores located at BP petrol stations across the UK.

A range of products including milk, bread, juice, pizzas, and ready-meals will be available and will be delivered free of charge, Deliveroo said.

The move follows a similar nationwide partnership with Co-op which allows people to order groceries from 400 stores.

Deliveroo has also implemented the ‘Essentials by Deliveroo’ service, a new range of convenience items including cereal, pasta, rice, sweets and biscuits, soft drinks and juices and tinned goods, which can be ordered through the app in order to help those in self-isolation.

Read more: This company is offering free takeaways to NHS staff

The service was piloted with customers in Cambridge from Wednesday, and will go live in Reading, Brighton, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds, and London over the next two weeks.

Deliveroo, which operates in 13 international markets, said that similar schemes will be introduced in the United Arab Emirates, France, Spain, and Australia.

The delivery company has continued to operate throughout the coronavirus outbreak, and could benefit from the government’s call for restaurants to shut down and only offer takeaways and deliveries.

The company has set up a hardship fund for its riders, who are considered “self-employed”, if any are forced to self-isolate and they can receive payment on providing a doctor’s note.

However, unions have warned that riders are struggling to get sick notes from overstretched health services.

Last week, Uber Eats said it will give free delivery for independent restaurant partners to support businesses affected by the coronavirus.

The takeaway delivery company also said it is dropping registration fees for new restaurants signing up to the platform until at least the end of the month.

Delivery operators have reported a surge of restaurants attempting to join their services after prime minister Boris Johnson called on people to avoid going to pubs, restaurants, and cafes.

Read more: McDonald's and Nando’s close all UK restaurants

Both Deliveroo and Uber Eats are offering hands-free deliveries if requested by customers by leaving food on doorsteps to support social distancing.

Will Shu, founder and CEO of Deliveroo, said: “At Deliveroo, we want to do everything possible to help people get the food they want and need during this worrying period.

“We hope we can play a role in supporting people who have to isolate to get the food they need whether that’s household items or restaurant food.”