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Four in five drivers working in the gig economy say earnings do not cover cost of living, survey reveals

FOUR in five gig-economy drivers working for two private hire apps are not earning enough to cover their living costs, despite putting in very long hours, shocking new research suggests today.

Many of the 860 Bolt and Addison Lee workers consulted by law firm Leigh Day said they were struggling to make ends meet, even though nearly half work at least one full day without a break and three-quarters do six days in a row. 

The firm is currently pursuing legal claims against gig-economy employers for workers’ rights, including paid holidays and the minimum wage.

Last year, Leigh Day launched a group claim against Bolt, an Estonian-based ride-hailing app, arguing that the company operates in such a way that its drivers should be classified as workers, not self-employed contractors.

This followed a Court of Appeal ruling in April 2021 that British business-class car service Addison Lee could not appeal against an employment tribunal judgement that drivers are entitled to workers’ rights.

Bolt driver Omar Ayad — not his real name — said: “Driving for Bolt is my main source of income, but it’s hard to support my family on the money I make, even though I work long hours.

“Bolt says us drivers are self-employed, but they can suspend our accounts, so how can that be?”

Leigh Day partner Nigel Mackay said: “Gig-economy workers should not be struggling to feed their families purely because the companies they work for refuse to accept that they should be classified as workers and given the rights this status affords.

“Changes need to be made to improve workers’ rights for our clients.”

A Bolt spokesperson told the Morning Star: "Bolt conducts extensive engagement with drivers on a regular basis. This is designed to ensure that we continue to present the leading offer to drivers in a highly competitive market."Addison Lee was also contacted for comment.

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