Under the deal, couriers will now be able to choose to become ‘self-employed plus’, which provides a number of benefits such as holiday pay, rest breaks and guaranteed pay rates. The GMB claims it will allow couriers to earn at least £8.55 per hour over the year, which is more than the minimum wage of £7.83 per hour.
In the past, delivery companies have been criticised for exploiting workers on zero-hour contracts and putting them in danger.
A survey of gig economy drivers and couriers carried out for a new report by the University College London’s Centre for Transport Studies in August 2018 found two in five (42%) reported that their vehicle had been damaged as a result of a collision while working.
The study also found almost two thirds (63%) of respondents are not provided with safety training, while a similar number (65%) said they are not given any safety equipment.
“As a result of our ground-breaking agreement, couriers will have a real voice in their workplace as well as the right to holiday pay and guaranteed pay, something GMB Union has long been campaigning for on behalf of our members,” said GMB General Secretary, Tim Roache.
“Full credit to Hermes. They’re showing that the gig economy doesn’t have to be an exploitative economy and we look forward to working with them through this ground-breaking agreement.”
Retain flexibility
The Chief Executive of Hermes UK, Martijn de Lange, commented: “This new option allows couriers to retain the flexibility of self-employment we know is so important to them and gives them the certainty of guaranteed levels of earning, the security of holiday pay and a strong voice.
“We’re proud to be leading the way with this pioneering development which we hope will encourage other companies to reflect on the employment models they use.”
Neil Tonks, a legislation expert at MHR, described the agreement as a “breakthrough for the gig economy”.
“The introduction of a new optional ‘self-employed plus’ contract will entitle its couriers to receive guaranteed pay and rights such as holiday pay and rest breaks in exchange for following the couriers most costs efficient routes,” said Mr Tonks.
“It’s a deal that benefits both parties. For drivers it provides them with the option to receive greater protection and maintain the flexibility of self-employment, which is important to them, while despite the cost implications it shows Hermes as a people focussed organisation which will help them to attract and retain the best talent.”
But David Greenhalgh, Head of the Employment Practice at law firm Joelson, claimed the deal does not represent the” landmark precedent that the GMB Union would have us believe”.
“Hermes’ decision is more reactionary than anything, coming after a tribunal decision which found its drivers to be workers,” said Mr Greenhalgh.
“For Hermes drivers, they now at least know where they stand, but the pressure for other gig economy companies to follow suit will be reputational rather than on the back of a new legal precedent having been set.”
