DRIVERS working for eCourier have launched a group legal claim, arguing they have been unlawfully denied workers’ rights by being misclassified as self-employed contractors.

The claim, brought on behalf of 15 former drivers who are members of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), could grow as around 500 drivers who have worked at eCourier in the last 10 weeks may be eligible to join.

Members say that they should be recognised as “workers” under employment law rather than independent contractors, entitling them to holiday pay, the minimum wage and other protections. 

The case is being taken forward by law firm Leigh Day, which has represented workers in similar claims against Uber, Bolt and Addison Lee.

If successful, eCourier drivers could be entitled to thousands in back pay.

ECourier, owned by Royal Mail, operates a medical courier service delivering urgent blood and equipment, as well as wider delivery services. 

Drivers say the company exerts control over them by directing routes, setting delivery expectations and penalising those who turn down jobs, meaning they should be reclassified as workers.

One driver involved in the claim, who did not wish to be named, said: “We’re told we’re self-employed, but eCourier controls how and when we work. 

“It doesn’t feel like we have a choice — we just have to accept what we’re given or risk losing out. 

“I don’t think it’s fair that we’re denied basic rights like holiday pay or the minimum wage.” 

IWGB president Alex Marshall said: “For most people, the gig economy – synonymous with exploitation and a lack of basic rights for workers – is primarily associated with companies such as Deliveroo and Uber. 

“However, this kind of exploitation is rampant in our healthcare sector, with couriers providing live-saving services being denied a guaranteed minimum wage, holiday pay and pensions. 

“If a loved one is in critical condition, the courier with ‘Urgent Blood’ on their bike racing to save their life may be making less than minimum wage and struggling to survive.”

Companies like eCourier have “benefited from a lack of scrutiny and regulation,” Mr Marshall said, with the Employment Rights Bill “overlooking many of these issues, leaving it down to workers to organise and firms like Leigh Day to litigate to right these wrongs.” 

ECourier was approached for comment.