CYCLING food couriers have gathered outside York Minster while taking part in a Good Friday strike.

Members of the York Courier Community (YCC), are unhappy with a new fee system introduced by Deliveroo, which they claimed will reduce riders’ pay.

Deliveroo said the changes were made to ensure riders were paid more for longer distances.

William Bossman from the YCC said there was an 'overwhelmingly positive' response from the general public today, with more than 100 signing a petition in support.

He said: “We don’t want these changes. It’s a pay cut in all but name. No rider has asked for a pay cut and Deliveroo’s reasoning is nonsensical."

The 'flash shutdown' ran for three hours between 5pm and 8pm on Good Friday, but a spokesman for Deliveroo said the “vast majority” of its riders were “happy working with Deliveroo”, and rider pay around the UK “is increasing”.

He said: “Riders earn over £10 per hour on average. We have a system that works for riders, designed in consultation with riders, which is leading to higher earnings.

“Deliveroo offers riders the work they tell us they want, with the flexibility to work when and where they want, and security, with free insurance should something go wrong on the road.”

Mr Bossman said YCC was still open to engage with Deliveroo “to find a solution that is in riders’ interests”.