Imagine working long hours for a company, delivering a seamless experience for customers, despite not being entitled to basic worker rights like holiday pay, a pension, or even the minimum wage. For Bolt drivers across the UK, this scenario was their daily reality. But, in a monumental legal victory, Bolt drivers have secured worker status, granting them access to critical employment rights.
This settlement – which affected 15,000 drivers and could be worth as much as £200 million in backpay – is a huge step toward addressing longstanding inequalities in the gig economy and sets a precedent that could reshape how platform workers are treated in the UK.
The Bolt drivers’ victory explained
Until recently, ride-hailing business Bolt classified its drivers as self-employed contractors. This meant drivers missed out on essential benefits such as minimum wage guarantees, holiday pay, and pension contributions.
However, the drivers argued their work arrangement more closely resembled that of employees – highlighting Bolt’s control over pricing, routes, and customer interactions. A UK court sided with the drivers, ruling that their status should be elevated to “workers”.
While Bolt began offering holiday pay and the national living wage to its drivers in August 2024, the ruling means each driver could now be entitled to over £15,000 in backdated compensation for historic underpayment and unpaid holiday pay.
Why this case matters to the wider gig economy
The gig economy has long been lauded for its flexibility, but this victory highlights that flexibility cannot come at the expense of fair treatment.
The ruling against Bolt follows a pivotal 2021 Supreme Court decision involving Uber. In that case, the court ruled that Uber drivers were workers, not self-employed contractors, based on the company’s control over fares and driver conditions. Uber drivers subsequently gained access to minimum wage guarantees, paid holidays, and pensions.
The Uber ruling triggered a wave of similar claims across the gig economy, inspiring workers to challenge exploitative practices and seek justice. Bolt’s loss further cements the trend of holding gig economy companies accountable for how they treat their workers.
With Bolt drivers winning this landmark case, the spotlight now turns to other platforms like Deliveroo, Amazon Flex, and Just Eat. Legal experts predict a surge in claims as workers gain confidence in demanding fair pay and protections.
What’s happening with Just Eat couriers?
Just Eat couriers are also fighting for fair pay, arguing that their classification as self-employed limits their access to essential benefits. Like Bolt drivers, Just Eat couriers provide essential services, often working long hours under challenging conditions. Yet, they are excluded from holiday pay, the minimum wage, and pension contributions.
The good news is the Courts are increasingly siding with workers, recognising the unfairness of current gig economy practices. The success of the Bolt driver’s lawsuit adds further momentum to the Just Eat couriers’ fight.
Stay informed
The fight for fairness in the gig economy is far from over. Cases like Bolt and Just Eat remind us of the importance of collective action in holding companies accountable.
Find out more about the Just Eat courier backpay claim, and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments and learn how you can fight for your rights.
