‘Self employed plus’ status for gig economy couriers
Hermes’ self-employed couriers now have the option to take holiday pay and have guaranteed earnings following a deal between with union GMB.
The collective bargaining agreement is the first of its type, and is designed to support the rights of self-employed people providing courier services to Hermes.
Hermes couriers can now choose to become ‘self-employed plus’, which provides a number of benefits such as holiday pay (pro-rata up to 28 days), and individually negotiated pay rates that allow couriers to earn at least £8.55 per hour over the year.
In addition, those self-employed plus couriers that join the GMB Union will benefit from full GMB representation.
This is an opt-in model and will not affect those couriers who wish to retain their current form of self-employed status.
Martijn de Lange, Hermes UK CEO, said: “This new option allows couriers to retain the flexibility of self-employment and gives them the certainty of guaranteed levels of earning, the security of holiday pay and a strong voice.”
Tim Roache, GMB general secretary, added: “They’re showing that the gig economy doesn’t have to be exploitative and we look forward to working with them through this ground-breaking agreement. Other employers should take notice, this is how it’s done.”
