GMB is to launch legal action against Amazon and three businesses that deliver for it, accusing them of bogus self-employment.

The union, which took Hermes to court last month for its treatment of self-employed drivers, claimed that drivers at Prospect Commercials, Box Group and Lloyd Link Logistics were being denied basic rights and and working flexibility because they are wrongfully labelled as self-employed.

Legal action is being brought against Amazon as well because it dictated the drivers' shifts at the transport businesses, which GMB said contradict the flexibility self-employed workers are entitled to.

One union member said he had worked from 6am to 11pm and still had £1 deducted from his wages for every undelivered parcel.

GMB general secretary Tim Roach said: "The day to day reality for many of our members who deliver packages for Amazon, is unrealistic targets, slogging their guts out only to have deductions made from their pay when those targets aren’t met and being told they’re self-employed without the freedom that affords.”

A spokesman for Amazon told MT: "Our delivery providers are contractually obligated to ensure drivers they engage receive the National Living Wage and are expected to pay a minimum of £12 per hour, follow all applicable laws and driving regulations and drive safely."

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