Delivery giant Hermes pays its drivers less than the minimum wage. In a shocking expose, The Guardian has revealed that Hermes couriers, (the people who come to deliver our online purchases) are ‘underpaid’, on insecure contracts and unable to take paid time off.
Why? Because all Hermes ‘lifestyle couriers’ are technically “self-employed”. This means Hermes doesn’t have to pay overtime, sick pay, holiday pay or pension payments. The shocking thing is -- this situation is entirely legal and in fact “approved” by HMRC.
But Hermes has a weak spot. It doesn’t want the glare of public scrutiny on its dodgy business practices. The more we make noise the more likely it is that we can force them to start treating its workers better.
Can you sign this petition to Hermes demanding it treats its workers better?
In the UK, Hermes has over 10,000 self-employed delivery drivers. But is actually part of a huge German business that rakes in over £12 billion a year. They can do this because they often pay their couriers as little as 48p per package they deliver.
The Guardian expose shows that drivers are often working long hours, with high costs like petrol and insurance and are often at the whim of unachievable targets and the mercy of Hermes managers. If they don’t meet these targets they lose a miserly bonus that could make the difference between them earning the minimum wage or not.
Our community is no stranger to taking on the businesses of the ‘new economy’. We are challenging Amazon on its human rights record, we’re taking on Airbnb for profiteering from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These businesses think they can get around paying their taxes, following employment law and avoiding proper regulation. If we stand up to Hermes now we can strike another blow at the big bad businesses of the new economy.
Tell Hermes to start treating its workers better. Sign the petition.
More information
Under the guise of ‘flexibility’, Hermes is delivering a raw deal for its workers
The Guardian. 19 July 2016.
The Guardian. 19 July 2016.