In the latest of a string of cases concerning employment status in the so-called ‘gig economy’ Leeds Employment Tribunal recently found that a group of Hermes couriers were workers as opposed to independent contractors and thus entitled to receive the national minimum wage and holiday pay. The Tribunal’s finding is likely to affect up to 14,500 Hermes couriers who are engaged by the company under the same or similar terms as the 65 couriers who brought the initial claim. In light of the Tribunal’s finding and the recent Pimlico Plumbers decision in the Supreme Court, we would encourage employers to seek legal advice when engaging individuals on a casual or atypical basis.
The content on this page is for general awareness only. It is not intended to constitute professional or legal advice. Changes to legislation may have happened since this article was published. The contents of this article should not be used as a basis for action and the reader should be advised to seek the appropriate professional advice based on their individual circumstances.
