Just Eat Takeaway, the Netherlands-based food ordering and delivery company, has announced the closure of its in-house delivery service in Paris, France, as reported by Reuters.
The decision is expected to impact around 100 jobs.
The company has historically employed couriers in Europe, setting it apart from competitors like Uber, which rely on freelancers within the gig economy.
The decision to discontinue operations in Paris comes as part of Just Eat Takeaway’s strategic shift.
In 2022, the company ceased its in-house delivery operations across France, citing a competitive disadvantage.
Instead, it formed a partnership with the third-party courier service Stuart, which employs self-employed couriers.
According to a statement released by Just Eat Takeaway France, the expansion of this transition will now include Paris.
Jitse Groen, the CEO of Just Eat Takeaway, has criticized the European Union for its lack of action regarding the Platform Work Directive.
He emphasized the directive’s capacity to create a “presumption of employment” for gig workers.
Groen was quoted by Reuters as saying, “I think it’s a shame that European governments, especially the ones that have very stringent, strong (labour) beliefs, such as France, are opposing this legislation.”
In December 2023, the company announced its plans to test a new service enabling customers to place food orders through in-car applications.
The company is currently experimenting with a service that allows drivers to place orders through their car screens, either during a stop at a petrol station or while charging the vehicle.
The new service will only be available for stationary vehicles and will initially be accessible across Europe, starting in the UK.
In July 2023, the company recorded adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of €143 million ($159 million) for the first half of 2023, marking a significant turnaround from the €134 million loss experienced in 2022.
Despite a 7% decrease in the total gross transaction value, which fell from €14.18 billion in 2022 to €13.22 billion, the company managed to shift to a profitable position.
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