Bolt workers’ rights judgment goes ‘further than the landmark case against Uber’ says GMB union
The Bolt workers’ rights judgment goes ‘further than the landmark case against Uber’ said the GMB union, reacting to the employment tribunal ruling confirming Bolt drivers qualify as ‘workers’ under UK law.
The decision, announced on Friday, reinforces protections for drivers, entitling them to minimum wage and holiday pay, as long as they are in a licensed area, actively logged into the Bolt app, and available to take rides without using other ride-hailing platforms concurrently.
The ruling is said to extend beyond the landmark 2021 case that designated Uber drivers as workers, challenges app-based companies operating within the private hire sector to address critical issues around employment rights.
Specifically, it brings new attention to the practices of “waiting time” and “multi-apping”, the latter being the practice where drivers use several ride-hailing apps simultaneously to maximise income opportunities.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, voiced the union’s support for the ruling, calling it an advancement in the rights of private hire drivers.
“This ruling goes further than the landmark case against Uber, in which GMB was instrumental,” said O’Hearn.
He added: “It raises questions for the industry around waiting time and multi-apping. We believe workers’ rights around holidays should be universal, and this ruling confirms that fact.”
The ruling arrives amid ongoing debates over working conditions in the gig economy, where app-based companies have historically classified their drivers as independent contractors, with little entitlement to the protections provided to full-time employees or those designated as workers. The classification of drivers as ‘workers’ changes the landscape by imposing requirements on companies to pay minimum wage during specific periods and offer paid leave.
The GMB union also announced its intent to closely review the tribunal’s decision, which they see as reinforcing the principles established in the Uber case while adding new considerations. The union aims to engage directly with private hire companies to assess the wider implications on their members’ rights and entitlements.
A Bolt spokesperson responded to the judgment saying: “Drivers are at the heart of what we do, and we have always supported the overwhelming majority’s choice to remain self-employed independent contractors, protecting their flexibility, personal control, and earning potential. We will continue to engage with drivers as we carefully review our options, including grounds for appeal, ensuring that we are helping drivers to succeed as entrepreneurs and grow on their own terms.”
