GMB, the union for lifestyle couriers, has hailed Hermes for pledging £1 million to support self-employed workers if they need to isolate themselves because of coronavirus. Hermes have said that they will find someone to deliver on behalf of the sick worker and will keep workers’ rounds open for when they return off sick leave.

This is the latest win for GMB in the battle to protest workers and the British public from COVID-19. The self-employed, workers with zero-hour contracts and those without sickness pay are people that could spread the virus as they have to make the hard choice to work whilst ill or not get paid.

“Hermes have once again taken the industry lead and shown the gig economy how things should be done. By setting up this fund to assist those couriers they are not just protecting people who deliver for them, they are helping to keep the British public safe. This is a very welcome step in the right direction, and all employers across the UK should follow their example,” says Mick Rix, GMB national officer.