Am I a worker or self-employed?
It depends on the platform, and the two answers can both be true - worker for employment rights, self-employed for tax.
Last checked 12/09/2026.
UK law has three categories: employee, worker and self-employed. "Worker" sits in the middle - it brings the national minimum wage, paid holiday and protection from unlawful deductions, but not unfair dismissal or redundancy rights.
Where delivery platforms sit has been fought case by case, and the answers differ:
- Uber private hire drivers were found to be workers by the Supreme Court in 2021.
- Deliveroo riders were found *not* to be workers by the Supreme Court in 2023, because of the right to send a substitute.
- Just Eat couriers are self-employed, and more than 7,000 are challenging that at tribunal, with judgment expected later in 2026.
Related
Are Deliveroo riders self-employed?
Yes. The Supreme Court confirmed in 2023 that Deliveroo riders are not workers, so you are self-employed for both tax and employment purposes.
Employment rights & legalUpdated 29/09/2026
Am I self-employed delivering for Just Eat?
Yes. Just Eat couriers in the UK are self-employed, though more than 7,000 are currently challenging that at an employment tribunal.
Employment rights & legalUpdated 19/08/2026
Do delivery drivers get holiday pay?
Only if you have worker status with that platform. Most self-employed couriers do not.
Employment rights & legalUpdated 19/08/2026
Am I self-employed as an Evri courier?
Yes for tax purposes - you file a Self Assessment return, and you may also have worker rights.
Employment rights & legalUpdated 29/09/2026
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