Meal delivery service Deliveroo has agreed to insure its freelance couriers in the Netherlands against accidents – so that a cyclist who becomes unable to work will be paid 75% of their gross earnings for up to 30 days, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Tuesday.

The policy also covers specific medical costs such as a dentist and will increase the personal liability payout from €1m to €5m, the paper quoted the company as saying.

The concession is in response to mounting criticism of meal delivery firms who only employ freelance workers who have to carry all related costs.

This February, all Deliveroo’s 2,000 or so delivery workers in the Netherlands became freelancers which, the company says, means they will be able to keep more of their earnings.

The company says it is bowing to pressure from couriers themselves and that 92% back the shift.