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Self employed courier pay decrease

I am a self employed courier for a large parcel company.
I have 'worked for them' since 2011
I get a set pence per parcel collected or delivered.
In november last year 2012 I noticed my payslip was wrong, they had paid me 30p to little per parcel collected. I have notified them but passed from pillar to post. Yesterday I was told that I shouldnt be on that rate and this pay error had brought to light I was on too much. Ive been on this pay rate since end of 2011.

Can they just reduce the rate after all this time? I have no contract in my possession. but can prove with all my payslips what I have been on. This represents near a 40% pay decrease.

Thanks

Comments

  • mattcanary
    mattcanary Posts: 4,420 Forumite
    edited 11 February 2014 pm28 3:03PM
    If it's Hermes that you'd work for I'd get out if you can.

    I was "self employed" through them for 18 months. Enjoyed the work and meeting customers but the company just take advantage of you in any way they can.

    It is an uphill battle whenever you need to take time off work (and of course it's unpaid), your pay is totally reliant upon how busy the company is, the wear and tear on your vehicle is pretty horrendous (and because of the poor level of pay, that is often your private car).

    In November last year in one of the industry-wide peak periods, I worked out that after expenses I was earning about £5.10 per hour. Well below the minimum wage.
  • Thanks for the advise.
    However you have not answered my question??
  • dantek wrote: »
    Thanks for the advise.
    However you have not answered my question??

    To be fair, you have no contract - and thus no recourse. There no advice to offer other than wisdom.
  • there is a contract, however I do not have a copy
  • BillJones
    BillJones Posts: 2,187 Forumite
    dantek wrote: »
    there is a contract, however I do not have a copy

    Then get a copy...

    Come on, you need to put in some effort on your side here.
  • You obviously have no idea of the company I work for.
    I have asked for a copy, but the rates arent on it. That is why I asked if there is some law that if youve been paid x amount for a few years can they just drop it without consultation.
  • You are self employed. Therefore you have two choices: put up with it or walk away.
  • bugslet
    bugslet Posts: 6,874 Forumite
    dantek wrote: »
    I have asked for a copy, but the rates arent on it. That is why I asked if there is some law that if youve been paid x amount for a few years can they just drop it without consultation.


    No. It's nothing like being employed and the company dropping your wages.

    You could keep trying to get them to pay the better rate for work that you have already completed, but I am guessing that they won't play ball and if really cornered will come up with some letter that they claimed they sent you months ago, confirming the lower rates.

    Going forward, you have no recourse. They can change a rate and then you choose to work or not for that rate.
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