Hermes is to offer drivers the minimum wages and holiday pay under an agreement with the GMB union that is the first in the UK to give trade union recognition to drivers in the gig sector . Tim Roache, the general secretary of the GMB, said: “As a result of our ground-breaking agreement, couriers will have a real voice in their workplace as well as the right to holiday pay and guaranteed pay, something GMB Union has long been campaigning for on behalf of our members. Under the terms of the deal , the courier company ’s 15,000 drivers will remain self - employed , but can opt into contracts that provide better rights . Last year , nearly 200 couriers for the firm won the right to be categorised as “ working ” , and thus entitled to holiday pay , the minimum wage , rest breaks and protection against discrimination .
Hermes is to offer drivers the minimum wages and holiday pay under an agreement with the GMB union that is the first in the UK to give trade union recognition to drivers in the gig sector . Under the terms of the deal , the courier company ’s 15,000 drivers will remain self - employed , but can opt into contracts that provide better rights . Last year , nearly 200 couriers for the firm won the right to be categorised as “ working ” , and thus entitled to holiday pay , the minimum wage , rest breaks and protection against discrimination .