We spoke to Sohail, a scooter delivery rider, to find out more about his work, what he likes about his job and his experience of working during the time of COVID-19.
By helping to deliver food and other goods to those who are vulnerable or self-isolating, scooter delivery riders are playing an essential role as the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to develop.
To say thank you, and to highlight the bravery every food delivery driver displays each time they go to work, we’ve been speaking to our customers to hear their stories. We interviewed Sohail, a scooter delivery rider and Zego customer, to ask him about his work, what he enjoys about his job and how he feels about working through these challenging times.
Thanks for speaking to us, Sohail. Please introduce yourself.
My name is Sohail. I work as a motorbike delivery driver.
Where are you from? Why did you move to England?
Originally, I'm from Pakistan. I then came to England in 2010. I came to England to study.
What’s your routine like at the moment?
During the lockdown, I start my shift at 5:00 pm and finish at 11:00 pm at night. So we think again. My life has completely changed. Nothing is normal during the lockdown because everything is changed. We have to keep the social distance while picking up the food. So this is always in my mind while I'm working, while I'm leaving my home I'm making sure I'm being careful, wearing a face mask.
Can you describe your shift?
When I have to prepare for my shift, first of all, I need to get ready. I pick up my safety clothes - my helmet, my facemask, gloves, and then start putting them on.
How many deliveries do you complete a day?
I complete around 20 to 25 deliveries today. That means I have to go to 50 locations a day, pick up and drop off.
What do you do for lunch when you're working?
I do my dinner a little bit late. I've stopped myself eating outside while I'm out, but I still have some water and juice.
How does delivering make you feel at the moment?
To be nice, it makes me feel good. I feel very good being a key worker.
And what do you think about your job?
Well, I like this job because of the flexibility. Whenever you want to start work, you can. If you're not feeling well, if you have an appointment, or if you have to go to see someone, you can leave anytime. And if you are free, if you have more time, you can work. I also need some time to study and to do my assignments.
How do people react when you deliver to them?
Yes, people are happy when they get their food. And we feel very happy too. It is satisfying knowing what we’re doing for our society.
I delivered to an old lady. She was very old. And she said, I can give you your cash in tips. So I said, no, thank you very much, because I'm just not only working for money, I'm just trying to help you.
How is a lockdown likely impacting your family life?
It’s impacted us a lot because we are missing our exercise. We can't go to the gym. We can't go swimming. And that's what we used to do before.
My family worry about my safety and they all always advise me, keep safe work for less. It was very early on. We sat down and we talked. We decided I should not go to work because of the coronavirus. But when the government said that the key worker should work, I made my decision. I said, no, this is time to come out and help those who are stuck inside, because as long as I'm healthy I do need to work and help other people. I decided, no, I'm not staying inside. I have to come out and I have to work for this country. For the people. For the people of London especially.
Are you worried?
Yeah, I do worry about myself. I mean, if I bring the virus inside to affect my family.
Are you proud of what you’re doing?
I do feel proud of what I'm doing. I'm helping people.
At Zego, we will continue to do everything we can to support scooter delivery riders like Sohail through these challenging times. To find out more, you can visit our scooter insurance page.