Delivery giant Just Eat has announced it is to axe 1,700 jobs as it ceases to employ its delivery riders and drivers.

The service said it will use entirely gig economy workers to deliver food in the UK, as opposed to the hybrid system of employees and self-employed workers.

Delivery staff have been given six weeks notice with pay.

It comes after the company saw a 9% slump in customer numbers last year as diners returned to pubs and restaurants.

A further 170 people working in Just Eat’s operational department are also impacted.