More than 7,000 couriers working with Just Eat have launched legal action in the UK, seeking improved employment rights, including the minimum wage and holiday pay. The employment tribunal, which begins on Tuesday and is scheduled to run until 2 June, will examine whether the couriers should be classified as workers or remain self-employed contractors — a distinction that determines access to key protections, as reported by The Guardian.
Tribunal to examine worker status
The case centres on whether couriers meet the legal definition of “workers”, a category that provides entitlements such as paid leave and minimum wage protections. A final judgment is expected later in 2026. Just Eat said it currently works with more than 70,000 self-employed couriers in the UK, emphasising flexibility in how and when deliveries are carried out.
Background to the dispute
The legal challenge follows changes introduced in 2023, when the company ended a trial model that had provided some couriers with guaranteed pay, sick pay and holiday benefits under a structured employment system. That programme, known as “Scoober”, applied to a small proportion of couriers who worked scheduled shifts and were provided with equipment such as e-bikes.
Wider gig economy scrutiny
The case is being led by Leigh Day, which has previously supported similar claims involving private hire drivers. Recent rulings involving companies such as Uber and Bolt have contributed to increased scrutiny of employment status across the gig economy. A new government body, the Fair Work Agency, has been established to strengthen oversight of employment rights, with the gig economy identified as a high-risk sector.
Policy and enforcement outlook
Current enforcement of minimum wage rules remains under HMRC, with responsibilities expected to transfer to the new agency in 2027. The government has also indicated plans to review employment classifications, though no timeline has been confirmed. The outcome of the tribunal is expected to have wider implications for platform-based work in the UK, particularly around how employment rights are applied to gig economy roles.
