Tens of thousands of couriers will now have right to maternity and paternity leave
GMB and Evri (formerly Hermes UK) have announced a breakthrough pension deal for couriers.
Under the new agreement, all 20,000 self-employed plus (SE+) couriers will be auto-enrolled into a pension by the end of this year.
The company will also give couriers the right to maternity and paternity leave from March 2022 in attempt to encourage more parents to further a career as couriers. [Paternity case study available, see notes to editors]
The moves - thought to be the first of their kind in the UK – represent a £7million a year investment from the company.
Steve Garelick, GMB Organiser, said:
“This breakthrough deal is a massive step forward and will make work better for GMB members.
“Tens of thousands of couriers will now have the safety and security of knowing their retirement plans are being looked after.
“Meanwhile, the right to maternity and paternity leave will break down barriers previously blocking those with children from entering the profession.
“GMB and Evri have shown once again that when trade unions and businesses are in agreement, the so called gig economy can be a better place.”
Martijn de Lange, CEO at Evri (formerly Hermes UK) said:
“When we first announced our SE+ model in 2019 we committed to continuing to develop our support for our self-employed couriers and we are proud to have been true to that and be leading the industry once again.
“Our couriers receive guaranteed pay rates, paid holiday and now a pension but have also been able to retain the flexibility that so many treasure, fitting in their deliveries alongside their other, often family, commitments.”
