More than 80 interpreters and translators in legal claim against agency DA Languages

Law firm Leigh Day represents more than 80 translators and interpreters who are currently classed as self-employed independent contractors but who believe that practices, such as DA Languages fixing the rate of pay and imposing fines when they cannot attend a job, mean that they should be classed as workers and given the rights that this status affords.

It is also alleged that DA Languages, which describes itself as a nationally successful language service provider with more than 20 years' experience, remains in control of job allocation as well as how many jobs are offered to each of their interpreters and translators.

Leigh Day argues that this level of control amounts to interpreters and translators being workers, meaning that they should be entitled to rights such as holiday pay and at least the National Minimum Wage.

Should the claim be successful, Leigh Day estimates that claimants who have worked full-time at the agency for two years could be entitled to more than £10,000 in compensation.

The first Employment Tribunal claims were presented for the claimants in February. A preliminary hearing will take place on 10 May 2024, where a judge will determine how the case will be managed, setting case directions for parties to comply with.

Leigh Day solicitor Sam Velody, a solicitor in the employment team, said:

"Leigh Day has been representing interpreters and translators working for DA Languages for just a few months and already more than 80 have signed up to the claim which just goes to show the strength of feeling that interpreters and translators have about their legal rights.