Are Addison Lee drivers self-employed?
It depends on the arrangement you sign. Addison Lee uses a mix, and courts have found some of its drivers to be workers rather than genuinely self-employed.
Last checked 29/09/2026.
It depends on the specific arrangement, and it is one of the areas where the label on the contract and the legal reality have not always matched. A 2017 tribunal found Addison Lee drivers to be workers, the Court of Appeal refused Addison Lee permission to appeal in 2021, and a tribunal found the same for a larger group of around 700 drivers in January 2025. Addison Lee now pays holiday pay on every job.
What that means for you practically: read what you actually signed, and do not assume that being called self-employed settles the question of holiday pay or minimum wage.
For tax it is more clear cut. If nothing is being deducted at source and you are invoicing or being paid gross, you are responsible for registering with HMRC and filing a return, whatever your status is for employment rights.
If you think you have been misclassified, that is a claim to an employment tribunal and there are time limits, usually three months less a day from the thing you are complaining about. Worth taking advice early rather than late.
Related
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.
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
Are Bolt drivers self-employed?
Yes for tax. You register with HMRC, file your own return and pay your own tax, exactly as with any other private hire platform.
HMRC & taxUpdated 29/09/2026
Driving for Addison Lee: the full guide
Addison Lee is London's largest private hire and courier firm, and it works differently from the apps: most drivers rent a car from it, the work leans on corporate accounts, and holiday pay is paid on every job. Here is how that shapes your money and your tax.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026
Is Uber holiday pay taxable?
Yes. Uber drivers are self-employed for tax, nothing is deducted, and holiday pay is part of your turnover like the fares.
HMRC & taxUpdated 29/09/2026
Uber, Bolt, Freenow and Addison Lee: private hire compared
All four need the same licence, car and insurance. They differ on status, benefits, how you are paid and whether you rent the car from them. Here is how they compare on the things that change what you keep.
Earnings & profitabilityUpdated 29/09/2026