DELIVERY firm Evri has promised to increase pay for its delivery drivers, alongside other benefits including more holidays for thousands of its employees.
The company announced it had reached a “landmark agreement” with the GMB union delivering boosting the guaranteed minimum equivalent hourly rate of £15 nationally and £15.80 in London for eligible couriers.
It will also boost holidays for eligible Evri Plus couriers by an additional three to six days.
There will also be one-off payments linked to the agreement of up to £1,250.
Evri said the two-year deal represented a significant, multi-million-pound investment in courier pay, benefits and protections, and provides the longest period of certainty ever agreed for its self-employed couriers.
It comes as Evri prepares to recruit an extra 7,000 self-employed couriers across the UK ahead of the festive season.
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to protecting and improving courier earnings while delivering greater certainty through the first two-year deal in our history,” an Evri spokesperson said.
“We are proud to have reached a deal that delivers increased earnings opportunities, enhanced benefits, and strengthened earnings protections.
“Community couriers play a vital role in our success, and we believe this offer represents a fair, competitive and sustainable package that recognises their contribution while supporting the continued growth of our business.
“Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to continue listening to couriers and strengthening trust as we work together to create a stronger and more sustainable future.”
Nicola Savage, national officer of the GMB, added “We have secured a strong and significant deal that not only provides earnings well above the national minimum wage equivalent but also protects existing earnings and creates opportunities for future growth.”
You can search for courier vacancies and apply through Evri’s website. Visit: evri.com/careers/be-a-courier.
You can apply via the app by completing a quick application, Evri says. You’ll then need to choose your local area to deliver in.
Should I become an Evri courier?
Evri is currently looking to recruit an extra 7,000 self-employed couriers across the UK ahead of the busy Christmas period.
Couriers typically use their own vehicle to deliver parcels in their local area, and work is often available on a flexible basis.
At the new £15 an hour rate, someone working the equivalent of 20 hours a week would earn £300 before tax and any costs, while 40 hours would equate to £600, which could be a welcome boost before Christmas.
However, prospective couriers should remember that the roles are self-employed rather than standard salaried jobs.
That means you may be responsible for costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and insurance, as well as sorting out your own taxes.
Self-employed workers also do not automatically receive all of the same employment rights as members of staff, although Evri’s “Plus” courier model provides certain benefits including paid holiday.
