THOUSANDS of Parcelforce drivers could be entitled to worker rights such as holiday pay and the national minimum wage, according to legal experts.

Law firm Leigh Day has begun an investigation for a potential group claim on behalf of drivers delivering for Parcelforce, Royal Mail’s parcel arm.

Leigh Day said those working under “owner driver agreements,” which distinguish them from drivers who are employed directly by Royal Mail but deliver under the Parcelforce brand, may have been misclassified as self-employed independent contractors rather than workers.

It estimates there are between 2,000 and 4,000 “owner drivers” who could be entitled to compensation if legal action is taken.  

Owner drivers have responsibility for their own vehicle, but Leigh Day believes there are many other similarities between their working practices and those under employment contracts with Royal Mail.  

Marc Francis, an owner driver for 10 years, said: “I shouldn’t be classed as an independent contractor because there is no way I can work for another company while I’m delivering for Parcelforce.

“When I turn up at the depot in the morning, I don’t know what the workload is going to be like and I have no idea what time I’m going to get finished, so you can’t commit to other work.”

Leigh Day employment team solicitor Liana Wood said:  “It is our view that Parcelforce owner drivers should in fact be classified as workers — and as such be entitled to workers’ rights and to receive compensation for shortfalls to national minimum wage and holiday pay to cover the time they have worked for Parcelforce.   

“I would encourage any owner drivers who are still delivering for Parcelforce or have done in the last 10 weeks to join our investigation.”