On 8th November 2024, the Employment Tribunal (‘ET’) handed down a ruling, important for thousands of Bolt drivers. It confirmed they are not self-employed contractors running their own business but “workers”
The ruling came after a three-week hearing in the ET and impacts all of the 100,000-plus drivers working with Bolt across 19 UK cities, including London and Manchester.
Background
Following a landmark 2021 Supreme Court ruling that Uber drivers are workers; Bolt drivers launched their own legal claim that the ruling also applies to their working situation.
In September, Bolt announced that as of 1 August 2024, drivers would receive holiday pay and the national living wage and, in its Judgment, the ET ruled that as workers, drivers are entitled to workers’ rights and protection under employment law.
The tribunal further clarified that all logged-in time should qualify for compensation, provided drivers were not simultaneously logged into competing apps.
What does this mean for you?
The financial implications are significant as Bolt faces significant pressure compensate for backdated pay and entitlements.
If you drive/drove for Bolt, you could be in line for compensation in terms of unpaid holiday pay and back pay arising out of a failure to pay at least the national living wage / national minimum wage.
Although a hearing to determine the issue of compensation is to take place next year, it is important to act immediately to avoid your claim being deemed out of time.
To get started and make your claim, contact us today by completing our online form or call our office on 01204 866597.
Read the full Press Release here:
