Union takes on Hermes in new gig economy legal challenge

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Courier business Hermes takes on the GMB today in the latest legal case pushing for gig economy workers to be treated better by the firms they work for.

The union claims that Hermes is hiding behind giving couriers' flexibility to deny them basic workers' rights.

The case, which starts today, is being brought about on behalf of eight couriers for the company.

Hermes workers are described as "lifestyle couriers", meaning they are treated as self-employed and are not entitled to holiday or paid the national living wage.

MPs last year questions Hermes' practices by sending a letter to its top execs asking about the firm's procedures for paying its staff.

If successful, the GMB's case against Hermes, could be instrumental in changing how the company treats its drivers.

It follows a similar case being brought against takeaway firm Deliveroo, as leading law firm Leigh Day earlier this year committed to representing drivers in their own case.

Back in 2016, the GMB won a separate case against Uber, granting drivers worker status along with the rights that go with it.

"GMB’s courier members do a tough job – working long hours with unrealistic targets," said Tim Roache, GMB general secretary. "They make a fortune for companies like Hermes, the least they should be able to expect in return is the minimum wage and their hard fought rights at work.

"Companies like Hermes and Uber hide behind terms like ‘flexibility’ to wriggle out of treating the people who make them their money with the respect they deserve.

"Guaranteed hours, holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions are not privileges companies can dish out when they fancy. They are the legal right of all UK workers, and that's what we're asking the courts to rule on."