GMB takes action fo. amazon ‘workers’

FRESH LEGAL action is being taken on behalf of workers in the so-called gig economy, involving drivers at online giant Amazon.

The GMB union is taking a case against Birmingham-based logistics firm UK Express, which employs staff across the UK. The GMB says the drivers, like those at taxi firm Uber, should be classed as workers, not self-employed.

The case is the latest being brought by the GMB to tackle the growing trend of what it calls “bogus” self-employment and gig economy “exploitation”.

Nigel Mackay, of law firm Leigh Day, which is taking the case to an employment tribunal, said: “We believe UK Express drivers are workers who are being denied their rights, including paid holiday and the national minimum wage, due to being mislabelled as self-employed.

“Drivers are also being fined if they can’t work, even when they have good reason. We believe this is unlawful.”

Maria Ludkin, GMB legal director, said: “The drivers delivering for Amazon, like Uber drivers and delivery drivers for DX, cannot be classed as anything other than employed when you look at the law. We don’t get to pick and choose which laws we adhere to and which we don’t like the look of.

“This is a much wider issue than individual companies like UK Express or Uber. This is about employment in 21st century Britain.”