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Delivery Services: Conditions of Employment

Asked by Tom HayesLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 20 January 2026UIN 105037

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to require delivery companies to (a) employ drivers on a contractual basis and (b) prohibit the use of temporary and self-employed workers.

Answered by Kate Dearden

Employment status is not a choice: it depends on the reality of the relationship between an individual and their employer. Individuals working for delivery companies may be employees, limb (b) workers, or self-employed. As private sector businesses, delivery companies are responsible for determining the engagement models that best suit their operations, provided they comply with the law.

While the Government recognises temporary or self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility, we also recognise concerns regarding exploitation of the current employment status framework and will consult on addressing these as soon as possible.

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