FOOD delivery company Deliveroo has announced that it is launching early in an East Lancashire borough this week with a discount code.

This means that people in Rossendale will now be able to order from independent restaurants like Kay's Fish & Chips Rawtenstall and Siphon Espresso & Brew Bar, as well as chains like Subway as well as grocery retailers and convenience stores such as Co-op and Morrisons.

The company says that it is celebrating the launch by offering all new customers in Rossendale who spend at least £15 on their first two orders £10 using the code: NEWROOTOWN.

Deliveroo head of UK expansion Berenice Cowan said: "At last, we've arrived in Rossendale!

"We can't wait to bring everyone great food from local and national favourites, and to help local chefs reach new customers, hungry foodies, here we come!"

Deliveroo will be looking for up to 50 people in Rossendale to become riders who they say will be able to work when they want, where they want.

However, the delivery giant has also faced recent criticism over its riders' status as 'self employed' meaning they are given a degree of flexibility over working hours, but consequently are not covered by normal employment rights.

As such, a report in March by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that a third of a test sample of 300 riders made less than the national minimum wage of £8.72, an issue that was further highlighted by industrial action launched by riders earlier this year on April 7.

In response, the company has insisted that the majority of riders are satisfied with the arrangements.

Addressing the BIJ report, a Deliveroo spokesperson said: “Deliveroo riders have the complete freedom to choose when and where to work and can choose which deliveries to accept and which to reject. 50,000 riders choose to work with Deliveroo, and thousands more people apply to work with us every week."

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