Thousands of Just Eat couriers launch legal action to improve workers’ rights
More than 7,000 Just Eat couriers have launched legal action to challenge their classification as self-employed contractors and seek worker status, which would entitle them to rights such as minimum wage and holiday pay. The employment tribunal, running from May to June 2026, will determine their employment status, with a decision expected later in the year. The case follows previous rulings favoring gig economy workers and comes amid broader government efforts to reform employment rights through the new Fair Work Agency.
- ▪More than 7,000 Just Eat couriers are involved in a tribunal to claim worker status and associated rights like minimum wage and holiday pay.
- ▪Just Eat dismissed about 1,700 couriers in 2023 when it ended a pilot program that offered guaranteed pay and benefits.
- ▪The UK government established the Fair Work Agency in 2026 to strengthen enforcement of employment rights, particularly in high-risk sectors like the gig economy.
- ▪Leigh Day, the law firm representing the couriers, previously won similar rights for Addison Lee drivers.
- ▪A 2021 Supreme Court ruling and subsequent decisions have increasingly supported gig workers' claims for improved employment rights.
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The employment tribunal will determine if the Just Eat couriers are classed as workers or self-employed independent contractors. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PAView image in fullscreenThe employment tribunal will determine if the Just Eat couriers are classed as workers or self-employed independent contractors. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PACouriers/delivery industryThousands of Just Eat couriers launch legal action to improve workers’ rightsMore than 7,000 join employment tribunal that will include claims for minimum wage and holiday pay Sarah ButlerMon 4 May 2026 11.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 11.53 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore than 7,000 Just Eat couriers are taking legal action against the food delivery company in an attempt to gain better employment rights…
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