Gig economy | Hermes' new self-employment offer may not be as good as it seems, experts warn

Courier firm Hermes has come to an agreement with the GMB union allowing its 15,000 contracted drivers to be offered a form of ‘self-employment plus’ – but some experts are warning the new deal might not be as ground-breaking as first thought.

The self-employment plus status will see drivers given up to 28 days of paid leave per year and pay rates of up to £8.50 per hour, whilst remaining self-employed. In exchange, they will be expected to follow routes specified by Hermes when out delivering.

However despite the additional rights on offer, Head of Employment and Immigration at Mackrell Turner Garrett Donna Martin has said that drivers and other gig economy workers should proceed with caution. “The extension of new rights to the workers at Hermes will be seen as a victory by some who are opposed to the current working conditions on offer,” she said.

Unlike workers, it is not yet clear whether those operating under these new arrangements will get sick pay, rest breaks or have their engagement protected in other ways, such as the basic rights against unlawful discrimination afforded to other workers.