Late last week the union announced it had launched legal action against national logistics company UK Express, on behalf of drivers at Amazon.

GMB argues the drivers are workers, and potentially employees. The union's argument rests on claims that:

• Amazon impose control on drivers relating to routes, sanction them for 'poor performance' and require them to pay for a van hired from the company
• Amazon Logistics require the drivers to be available for 15 days per month
• Limited right of substitution - money is deducted from a driver's pay if they cannot work
• Drivers all prohibited from working for a competitor.

The case follows the union's landmark victory last year against tax hailing firm Uber and a recent case lodged against logistics company DX.

The union claims that the UK Express drivers fall into the same category as Uber drivers, in that although they currently have 'self-employed' status, they should actually be classed as workers. The union adds the distinction is important as workers are entitled to basic employment rights such as minimum wage, holiday or sick pay.

In a statement a spokesperson for Amazon said: “Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace with competitive pay and benefits from day one. Amazon does pay above the UK Government's Living Wage of £7.50 regardless of age. Amazon is proud to be a significant contributor to the economy in Scotland, including investing hundreds of millions of pounds in our Scottish operations over the past five years and providing 2,500 competitively paid permanent jobs at a range of sites including our development and customer service centres in Edinburgh and fulfilment centres in Gourock and Dunfermline.”

Recruiter also contacted UK Express for comment but they had not responded by deadline.

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