Bogus-self-employment exposed in Bristol

 

Citizens Advice Bristol has produced a new report after discovering employment agencies are contracting drivers to work exclusively for a national parcel delivery company under questionable self-employment contracts. The report highlights an increase in current and former Bristol delivery drivers being forced to work dangerously long hours, paying extortionate van hire and insurance fees and often suffering unpaid wages. Other local Citizens Advice offices across England have been seeing similar cases.

Far from being free to choose their own hours, drivers frequently worked for over 14 hours a day, trying to deliver unmanageable quotas and often for less money than the National Living Wage after extortionate van hire and insurance fees. During peak times, drivers spoke of over 150 deliveries a day, leaving no time for breaks. In addition, drivers are demanded to be available from 7.30am, 5 days a week every week, unless two weeks’ notice is given. This is contrary to their supposed flexible self-employment status.

None of the Freedom report