DELIVEROO’S attempts to buy off couriers with free accident insurance while denying them full employment rights is a “laughably bad joke,” unions say.

The much-criticised courier firm is spending £10 million to equip 35,000 riders in 12 countries with an insurance package that will cover up to £7,500 of medical expenses and up to 75 per cent of average gross income if they are injured while working.

The new deal will apply to all couriers, but only while they are logged in and marked as available on the Deliveroo app and for up to one hour after logging off.