On the go: Parcel delivery service Evri has appointed Smart Pension to provide workplace pensions for more than 12,000 “self-employed plus” couriers.
Since 2019, couriers at Evri — formerly known as Hermes — have had the option to choose a self-employed plus status, which entitles them to benefits including holiday pay and individually negotiated pay rates providing at least £8.55 an hour over the year.
Evri’s director of delivery, Conor Ormsby, said: “Our couriers receive guaranteed pay rates, paid holiday and now a pension, but have also been able to retain the flexibility that so many treasure, fitting in their deliveries alongside their other (often family) commitments.”
Although 12,000 members have opted in to being classified as self-employed plus, Evri currently has 30,000 couriers, which means 18,000 individuals will not be entitled to a pension, as well as the other benefits mentioned.
The eligible couriers will be enrolled into the Smart Pension Master Trust by the end of 2022.
Smart UK chief executive Jamie Fiveash noted that the couriers will have access to Smart Retire and a number of other financial wellbeing offerings.
“This appointment is a testament to the commitment and quality of the Smart Pension Master Trust and the offering that is available to its almost 1mn members.”
Smart Pension’s appointment follows an agreement reached with the GMB union in March. Speaking about the move at the time, GMB’s London region organiser, Steve Garelick, called the deal a “massive step forward” that will “make work better for GMB members”.
