BBC report was biased and misleading, says Hermes
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steve.hobsonrarbi .1.1k P.ARCEI. CARRIER Hermes is to complain to the BBC about what it says was a biased and misleading report on Newsnight, broadcast on 3 December, alleging lIermes' selfemployed couriers should be regarded as direct employees,
The programme accused Hermes of exploiting couriers, claiming they were paid as little as 50p for deliveries and were liable to have work withdrawn if they went off sick.
Hermes retorts: "lhe vast majority of couriers are content with the self-employed opportunities which we offer, which allow them to fit the services they provide around their own lifestyle."
The firm adds: ''Couriers value the flexibility to decline work when they wish. This flexibility is consistent with a self-employed arrangement, but not an employ ment contract or that of a worker.
"The status of couriers engaged by Hermes has been tested in the past before Employment Tribunals and those decisions have consistently found that couriers are not employees of Hermes."
Newsnight interviewed four Hermes couriers, some anonymously and one who no longer works with the company. Hermessays this is hardly representative of its 7,500 strong courier network.
The report comes less than a fortnight after rival carrier Yodel was the subject of a BBC Watchdog investigation (CM 25 November).