LAWYERS representing 12,500 Bolt drivers will take their fight for rights to an employment tribunal in London this week.

The drivers argue they should be recognised as workers rather than self-employed contractors, and paid compensation for previous unpaid holiday pay and shortfalls in the National Living Wage. 

They believe that the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that Uber drivers are workers also applies to them.

They will be represented by Leigh Day, which handled the Uber case.

Ahead of the hearing, Bolt announced that its drivers will receive  holiday pay and the National Living Wage — but the law firm will argue that the way Bolt is calculating these payments is not compliant with the current legislation. 

Leigh Day employment team solicitor Charlotte Pettman said:“Over the next three weeks, the employment tribunal will hear about the Bolt drivers’ working conditions and decide whether they are workers and entitled to compensation for unpaid holiday pay and shortfalls to the National Living Wage.

“If the claims against Bolt are successful, the company will only be legally required to compensate those who have brought a claim.”

Bolt has been contacted for comment.