Delivery rider’s family wins large payout after he was killed in landmark decision for gig economy

The struggling family of a food delivery driver hit by a bus in Sydney will receive a huge compensation payout in a decision that could have major implications for Australia’s booming gig economy.

More than $830,000 in workers’ death benefit claims will go to the widow and children of HungryPanda worker Xiaojun Chen. 

The workers’ compensation insurer ruled 43-year-old Mr Chen was an employee of the service, rather than a contractor, at the time of his death

Mr Chen left a wife, two children and a 75-year-old father in China. The family were reliant upon Mr Chen’s income to live and were waiting on his return to the country to start a family business. 

Under the NSW workers’ compensation scheme the family will receive the huge lump sum payment, as well as weekly payments of up to $149…