Addison Lee drivers’ worker status hearing begins, which could have major implications for compensation
A significant three-week hearing is set to commence at Watford Employment Tribunal on 28 October, which will determine whether 700 Addison Lee drivers should be classified as workers rather than independent contractors.
The outcome could entitle them to back-dated compensation for holiday pay and loss of earnings.
Leigh Day, representing the drivers, will argue that they should be recognised as workers, a classification which would entitle them to the national minimum wage and other worker benefits, including holiday pay. This case follows a 2017 Employment Tribunal ruling, which classified three Addison Lee drivers as workers. While Addison Lee appealed, this was ultimately dismissed following a Supreme Court ruling in a similar case involving Uber drivers.
Despite a settlement with the three drivers in early 2024, Addison Lee claims the 2017 decision does not apply to the 700 additional drivers. The company has faced significant hurdles in continuing its defence, with the Employment Appeal Tribunal in July 2024 imposing six-figure deposit orders due to its limited chance of success.
If successful, the drivers could receive substantial back-dated compensation. Leigh Day solicitor Liana Wood said the drivers deserve to be paid fairly, similar to their counterparts who have already settled. This hearing could mark a major shift for Addison Lee and the wider gig economy.
Wood said: “We hope we will achieve a positive outcome for Addison Lee drivers, many of whom worked at a similar time to three drivers who already received a settlement and have been waiting for this hearing for many years. Workers deserve to be paid properly for the work they do for Addison Lee and all other companies operating in the gig economy.”
