Delivery giant Hermes faces inquiry over low pay allegations

Hermes delivery service has allegedly paid workers under minimum wage under the premise that staff are ‘self-employed'. 

HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) compliance department are investigating allegations after 78 couriers complained to Frank Field, the Chairman of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee about receiving no holiday or sick pay.

Hermes drivers also said they feared missing a shift due to illness as it may lead to their termination – The Independent reports.

Couriers who are paid per delivery, said the company set unrealistic time goals for staff to meet, so they were paid just £5.50 per hour - despite the National Minimum Wage being £6.70 for over-21s.