Spain's Supreme Court rules food delivery riders are employees, not freelancers

A Glovo food delivery courier in Madrid, Spain, on April 4. Spain's Supreme Court ruled on Sept 23 that riders for Barcelona-based food delivery app Glovo were employees, not freelancers. — Reuters

MADRID: Spain's Supreme Court ruled on Sept 23 that riders for Barcelona-based food delivery app Glovo were employees, not freelancers, in a case that could clear the way for so-called gig economy workers to demand formal labour contracts and benefits.

The ruling by the country's top court follows two previous cases heard in regional courts, one involving Glovo and the other its rival Deliveroo.