The number of businesses facing landmark class action style cases shows the growth of the group litigation market in the UK. Here are just some of the cases currently settled or progressing through the courts:
- In May, train passengers were awarded a huge class action payout after Stagecoach South Western Trains agreed to pay £25m to 1.4m customers for ticket overcharging.
- A class action against the UK’s six largest water companies for allegedly under-reporting pollution incidents and overcharging millions of customers is underway. If successful, millions of UK billpayers could receive payouts.
- Drivers and couriers across the UK are fighting companies such as Bolt, Just Eat, Veezu, Parcelforce, Addison Lee, Amazon and BCA. Lawyers argue these drivers are wrongly classed as self-employed independent contractors rather than workers or employees. If successful, claimants could be due thousands of pounds each in backpay. In July 2020, a landmark Supreme Court ruling gave Uber drivers worker status. The case set a precedent for other drivers working as independent contractors.
- The global ‘dieselgate’ scandal continues to progress after the High Court ruled two more manufacturers will face trial in the UK for allegedly fitting and selling cars with emissions-cheating devices. Nissan Renault and Peugeot Citroën drivers will have their cases heard alongside Mercedes and Ford in October 2025.
- Amazon has been hit with two major class action-style suits. One is for allegedly abusing its dominant position in the supply of marketplace services to third-party sellers. The British Independent Retailers Association has also filed a £1bn collective damages claim against Amazon on behalf of retailers, citing allegations of data misuse.
- Three million BT customers could be due compensation if a £1.3b court fight is successful. The claim alleges that BT overcharged for its broadband and landlines.
Class actions in the UK
Group claims (more commonly known as class actions in the US) are now a feature across various industries. In group litigation, individuals with similar claims collectively pursue a defendant (or multiple defendants) for justice and compensation, addressing different types of wrongdoing.
Class actions have long been popular in the United States, and now there is a growing recognition of the importance of group litigation within the UK. Changes in the legal system are making it easier to bring mass claims, and the litigation funding market – where investors give financial support to legal disputes in exchange for a cut of the winnings - is booming.
There’s also a growing awareness of the importance of redress, especially in light of the Post Office scandal and the widespread miscarriage of justice in this case. The Post Office scandal showed the power of collective action. Many sub-postmasters came together to fight their cases, which could inspire other victims to join forces and take collective legal action.
Seeing the courage and resilience of the postmasters may psychologically and socially encourage other victims to come forward. It provides a narrative of hope that could be very motivating.
The scandal also emphasised the importance of holding entities accountable for their actions and highlighted the potential backlash against wrongdoing companies. As an increasing number of class actions make their way through the English courts, many of Britain’s biggest businesses could be forced to choose between a potentially damaging public battle or reaching a quiet settlement.
At Join the Claim, we unite eligible claimants and law firms, significantly increasing qualified sign-ups for your group actions. A matchmaker for justice, if you need potential claimants for your group claims, we’ll find them.
Having built solid relationships with some of the best group litigation law firms in the UK, we’re expanding our network. As one of the UK’s most trusted for mass action client acquisition, if you’re interested in finding out more about how we work, please get in touch at [email protected]
