Delivery firm Hermes to pay gig workers if they must self-isolate

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Some good news for subcontracted e-commerce delivery drivers in the UK – if they work for Hermes, at least. The Guardian reports that Hermes has set up an emergency £1m fund for its 15,000 self-employed drivers to supplement their pay if they are told to self-isolate due to the coronavirus outbreak, and advised it would also “help couriers find someone to deliver on their behalf if they did not have a substitute. Usually that responsibility falls on the courier. It said it would also guarantee that their rounds would be kept open for them.” The decision marks a break from other courier operators – DPD said this week it would not pay its subcontracted drivers in the same situation.