Leigh Day says that drivers hired via third-party “delivery service partners” are currently classified as self-employed. This means that the drivers do not benefit from rights including the minimum wage and paid holiday. The firm argues that, because of the way Amazon dictates drivers work, they should be entitled to these rights.
Leigh Day is launching a “no win, no fee” action against Amazon. It believes at least 3,000 workers would be able to claim if they joined the action, with lawyers estimating the actions could give an average of £10,500 in compensation for each year a driver has worked for the retail giant. This would come in at a total bill of £140 million.
Leigh Day solicitor Kate Robinson said: "Amazon is short-changing drivers making deliveries on their behalf. This is disgraceful behaviour from a company that makes billions of pounds a year.”
A spokesperson for Amazon said: "We are committed to ensuring these drivers are fairly compensated by the delivery companies they work with and are treated with respect, and this is reflected by the positive feedback we hear from drivers every day."
