Many young people work as couriers for platforms. Often the contract says that you’re self-employed But in practice it feels like a regular job: fixed shifts, instructions via an app and little freedom.
The question then is: are you really self-employed, or actually an employee?

That difference is important. Because if there is false self-employment, you have far more rights than you think.

What is false self-employment?

False self-employment means that on paper you work as a self-employed person but in reality as an employee you are treated.

The name of the contract is not decisive. It is about how work is actually done.

How does one determine whether you are an employee?

Multiple factors are considered, such as:

• do you have to personally do the work?

• do you receive instructions over how and when you work?

• do you use the app, clothing or materials from the platform?

• do you bear entrepreneurial risk, or not?

• can you have yourself freely replaced?

• do you set your own rate?

The more you resemble a regular employee, the greater the chance that there is false self-employment.

Common signs among couriers

Among young people we often see:

• fixed time slots or shifts

• mandatory acceptance of trips

• rating systems with sanctions

• instructions on routes and behavior

• little to no room for negotiating rates

👉 This often points not to genuine self-employment.

Why is this so important?

If you are actually an employee, you may be entitled to:

• minimum wage

• sick pay

• holiday pay

• protection against dismissal

• compensation upon dismissal

• insurance for workplace accidents

Many young people miss out on these rights because they think that “self-employed = no protection” is automatically true.

What if you have an accident as a delivery worker?

This point is crucial.

Are you misclassified as self-employed and get injured while delivering?
Then:

• the platform may be liable

• an insurance policy may apply

• personal injury damages may be compensated

As a genuine self-employed worker, that’s often different. The classification of your employment relationship therefore makes a big difference.

Can you do anything about this?

Yes. Options include:

• have it determined that you an employee are

• claim wages or compensation

• enforce protection against termination

• claim compensation after accidents

That doesn’t have to lead to a lawsuit right away, but do have your position assessed.

What should you do as a courier?

Use this step-by-step plan:

1. Review your contract and how you work

2. Collect evidence (app-screenshots, instructions, schedules)

3. Check whether you are really free as a ‘zzp’er

4. Do not simply agree to termination

5. Have a legal review to determine whether there is false self-employment

Especially among young people, this is often overlooked too easily.

Common mistakes by young people

• thinking that the contract determines everything

• not keeping evidence

• not daring to ask questions

• assuming that platforms are always right

• only taking action after an accident

That’s a shame. Often you are stronger than you think.

Are you unsure whether you are truly self-employed?

Do you work as:

• delivery worker

• platform worker

• gig worker through an app

and do you doubt whether you really are independent?

Then just have your situation checked. In many cases it turns out that:

• there is bogus self-employment

• you have more rights

• the platform goes too far

👉 Feel free to get in touch to have your situation assessed.