28.10.16 UK Uber drivers win Employment Tribunal case

Today, Friday 28th October, Uber taxi drivers in the UK were ruled as being workers rather than self-employed following a successful case at the employment tribunal. This will change the entitlements the drivers receive to include holiday pay, paid rest breaks and the National Minimum Wage.

The landmark ruling may affect thousands of other workers in similar roles such as individuals working on similar business models adopted by Deliveroo. Uber failed to successfully argue that individuals were self-employed contractors and will be appealing against the decision whilst others have described the ruling as a “monumental victory” for around 30,000 drivers.

Some Uber drivers have argued that they were being paid around £5.03 an hour after expenses, much less than the NMW. However, they were under the supervision and control of the taxi company and required to provide a personal service and therefore were unfairly classified as self-employed. Whilst this ruling was specific to a test case for only two people, Uber are still set to appeal due to fears that it could bring on backlash from thousands of other drivers.

To read the full case, click here. 

Aspire will keep you informed of any further updates on the case. To read our recent article on HMRC’s attack on employment status, click here.