The National Court forces Glovo to pay contributions for its "riders"

The National High Court, in its ruling of 16 July 2025, upheld the Social Security's appeal and confirmed that Glovo's delivery drivers were falsely self-employed. In doing so, it revoked the decision of the Central Contentious-Administrative Court No. 10 of 23 July 2024, which had exempted the company from paying a settlement of more than 15 million euros in contributions and interest.

The court understands that the characteristic features of the employment relationship (dependence and outside employment) are present, in line with the case law of the Supreme Court of September 2020. It considers it proven that the 'riders' were subject to company instructions, used company resources and lacked real autonomy in the organisation of their work.

The Chamber, however, qualifies that it is not appropriate to impose a penalty for guilt, considering that until the Supreme Court's ruling there were reasonable legal doubts about the labour qualification of the delivery drivers. It therefore confirms the obligation to pay the contributions, but excludes the fine.

This ruling represents a significant turnaround, as it contradicts a score of first instance rulings in favour of Glovo and strengthens the position of the Social Security in its claims against digital platforms. It also increases the pressure on the viability of Glovo's business model in Spain, which has already accumulated penalties of more than 450 million euros.