Just Eat London courier guide: employed vs self-employed 2026

Platform: Just Eat | City: London | Last verified: 20 April 2026

Requirements

• Age 18 or over with right to work in the UK.
• UK bank account in your name.
• Eligible vehicle: bicycle, e-bike, scooter, motorbike or car. Some London employed courier schemes provide a branded moped, helmet and uniform.
• Smartphone running the Just Eat Courier app.
• For motor vehicles on the self-employed route: driving licence, V5C, MOT, hire and reward or food courier insurance.
• Background check via Sterling as part of onboarding.

Realistic earnings

Just Eat runs two models in London. Employed couriers on zero-hours contracts typically earn £11.60 to £14.28 an hour for age 21 and over (Breakroom 2026 data), plus per-delivery bonuses of around £1.50 to £2.50, plus statutory holiday pay at 5.6 weeks pro-rated under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Self-employed couriers are paid per order under Transit Pay, with Lexham reporting an average of £10.27 an hour and Service Club reporting £9.50 to £13.60 an hour across the UK. London self-employed couriers often sit towards the top of that range on busy nights. The employed model gives lower upside but steadier floor and real holiday pay. The self-employed model mirrors Deliveroo and Uber Eats with more flexibility and no rights.

Busiest times and areas

Central zones including Soho, Oxford Street, Canary Wharf and Shoreditch are steady for Just Eat, though volume sits below Deliveroo and Uber Eats in the richest central pockets. Just Eat is strongest in outer London and suburban zones where Deliveroo and Uber Eats density drops. Friday and Saturday 6pm to 10pm are peak. Cross-check with local Just Eat courier groups.

Local costs

• ULEZ covers all London boroughs, £12.50 per day for non-compliant cars and mopeds. On the employed moped scheme the company handles compliance.
• Central London Congestion Charge £15 per day for non-exempt cars 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and noon to 6pm weekends. Mopeds and motorbikes are exempt.
• Motor delivery insurance on the self-employed route £1,500 to £3,000 a year in London.

Local support

• Union: GMB Riders organising team and IWGB Couriers Branch both recruit Just Eat couriers in London.
• Women's services: Rights of Women, Hestia.
• Debt advice: StepChange, Business Debtline, Citizens Advice London.
• Tax help: TaxAid for self-employed couriers on lower incomes, LITRG.