I deliver cars for a firm, working as and when required. We can be driving for anything up to 10 hours at a time with no rest breaks – in fact we don’t get any benefits such as sick pay or holiday pay because we’re classed as casual labour. Is this right? We don’t have an employment contract.
Casual workers can acquire certain employment rights if there is some pattern to their employment. Workers are entitled to a 20-minute rest break when they work longer than six hours. This does not have to be paid however. Employers must make sure that workers take their rest. You should also be entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday pro rata. It would probably help to discuss your situation in detail with a solicitor specialising in employment law.