Uber ridehail rivals Bolt forced to change driver’s worker status, tribunal rules in latest landmark case
In a landmark decision, the Employment Tribunal has ruled that Bolt drivers qualify as workers rather than independent contractors, granting them rights such as paid holiday and a minimum wage.
The ruling, announced on Friday 8 November 2024, potentailly impacts over 100,000 drivers who operate through the Bolt ride-hailing platform.
The tribunal determined that the terms under which Bolt engages its drivers, including the degree of control exerted over their work, effectively place them within the worker category under UK employment law. Represented by law firm Leigh Day, 15,000 drivers stand to gain substantial compensation, with lawyers estimating a total payout exceeding £200 million, although that figure could be seen as speculative by Bolt.
This judgment follows a three-week hearing held in September and echoes the precedent set by the 2021 Supreme Court ruling on Uber drivers. Leigh Day, which also represented drivers in the Uber case, argued that the tribunal’s recognition of Bolt drivers as workers will establish their entitlement to the same protections, including minimum wage coverage for time spent logged into the app—whether waiting or on active trips.
Although Bolt introduced holiday pay and the National Living Wage from August 2024, the tribunal found that these payments fell short of compliance with employment law. Bolt currently pays drivers only for time spent on trips, but under the new ruling, drivers must be compensated for all time logged into the app, provided they are not concurrently using other ride-hailing platforms.
Another hearing is scheduled to set the compensation for backdated holiday pay and underpaid wages. Leigh Day anticipates each driver could receive an average of £15,000 in compensation. The law firm is inviting other Bolt drivers to join the claim, which could further elevate the total payout.
Charlotte Pettman, solicitor for Leigh Day’s employment team, represents the current claimants and remains committed to pursuing full compensation for those affected.
This case has ramifications for the entire ride-hailing industry, reinforcing the standards set in the Uber ruling and strengthening workers’ rights across similar platforms.
Charlotte Pettman said: “We are very pleased that the Employment Tribunal has found in favour of our Bolt driver clients. This judgment confirms that gig economy operators cannot continue to falsely classify their workers as independent contractors running their own business to avoid providing the rights those workers are properly entitled to. We call on Bolt to compensate our clients without further delay.”
Bolt driver Shuhel Ahmed said: “This is brilliant news and such a relief. I am so glad that Leigh Day has been successful with this part of the legal claim. It’s satisfying to know that our hard work and long hours have been recognised, and that we can fight on for better pay and conditions, and for compensation will make a huge difference to my family’s life.”
A Bolt spokesperson responded: “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.”
