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Bolt Standard drivers are moving to worker status

https://bolt.eu/en-gb/blog/bolt-standar ... er-status/

We’ve created this article to explain what is changing and what remains the same, who this change affects, the rights and entitlements available under the Bolt Standard Worker model, and what drivers need to know.

What is changing

Beginning 30 November 2026, drivers who accept the new Bolt Standard Worker Terms will be engaged by Bolt as workers when driving under those terms.The new model retains the benefits provided by Bolt Boost, alongside additional statutory rights and protections that will apply under the Worker Terms.

What stays the same

The move to worker status does not impact how drivers earn and drive with Bolt, including:

• How Drivers receive orders or earn driver fares.

• Driving and earning on other apps - Drivers can continue to drive with other platforms alongside Bolt.

• Choosing when to drive - There will be no minimum number of hours drivers are required to complete. Drivers can continue to choose when to go online and when to stop, subject to applicable working time and safety requirements.

• Profile flexibility - Drivers who use both Bolt Standard and Bolt Flex can continue to switch between the two profiles when driving with Bolt (Bolt Flex is available only outside London).

What does it mean to be a worker and what are the associated rights and entitlements

In the UK, workers receive certain statutory rights and protections but are not employees.

From 30 November 2026, drivers operating under the Bolt Standard Worker model will benefit from these rights and entitlements, including:

• National Living Wage: Bolt Standard has already provided National Living Wage top-ups through Bolt Boost since August 2024. Under the new Worker model, payment of the National Living Wage will become a statutory requirement, and drivers will be entitled to receive at least the applicable National Living Wage.

• Holiday pay: Bolt Standard has already provided holiday pay supplements through Bolt Boost since August 2024. Under the new Worker model, holiday entitlement will become a statutory requirement, and drivers will receive weekly holiday pay.

• Worker rights and protections - Drivers will benefit from statutory worker protections, including protection when raising whistleblowing concerns, alongside protection from unlawful discrimination.

• Pension Auto-enrolment: An opt-in pension scheme has been available to Bolt Standard drivers since May 2024. Under the new Worker model, drivers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria will be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme with an option to opt out. We will provide more information about eligibility, contributions, how the scheme will operate and how to opt out in the coming weeks.

This change will not alter how Bolt Standard drivers are currently treated for tax purposes.

Who does the employment status change affect

In the UK, drivers can operate under two different profiles:

• Bolt Standard

• Bolt Flex (available outside London only)

Each profile has its own features and benefits.

From 30 November 2026, drivers who accept the new Worker Terms and operate using the Bolt Standard profile will do so under Bolt’s Worker model.

Drivers using the Bolt Flex profile are not impacted and will remain independent contractors.

Drivers who use both profiles can continue to do so. Work completed and earnings received through the Bolt Standard profile will fall under the Worker model. Work completed through Bolt Flex will remain subject to the independent contractor model.

What happens next

In the coming weeks, Bolt will send drivers the new Worker Terms via the Bolt app. Drivers will need to accept the Worker Terms before they can continue using the Bolt Standard profile from 30 November 2026.

We will provide further information about the new terms and the steps drivers need to take before the change takes effect in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can find more information about the change to worker status on our https://bolt.eu/en-gb/blog/worker-statu ... questions/

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