Royal Mail-owned courier faces tribunal over drivers’ rights

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Diane TaylorFebruary 2, 2026 at 03:00 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Dozens of eCourier drivers, a Royal Mail-owned courier service, are taking legal action against the company, claiming they have been wrongly classified as self-employed. The 46 drivers, who deliver items including vital NHS samples, argue they are entitled to worker rights such as minimum wage and holiday pay. The drivers, represented by Leigh Day, allege that eCourier exerts a level of control over their work inconsistent with self-employment. The employment tribunal case, supported by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, seeks to reclassify the drivers as workers, allowing them to claim owed benefits. The drivers report struggling to make ends meet under the current arrangements, citing long hours and expenses.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Independent Workers Union of Great Britain 40% Uber ×250% NHS ×260% Mandy Bhattal 60% Leigh Day ×370% Royal Mail 80% eCourier ×790%

Keywords

drivers' rights 90% self-employed 80% ecourier 80% employment tribunal 70% worker status 70% minimum wage 60% holiday pay 60% leigh day 50% royal mail 50% working conditions 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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drivers' rights self-employed ecourier employment tribunal worker status minimum wage holiday pay leigh day royal mail working conditions

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