Last year, an employment tribunal's decision to classify Uber's drivers as workers caused quite a stir! We saw a reaction in recruitment and other sectors and more "status" cases soon followed. Uber's appeal against the decision starts today and a two day hearing will take place.
There are a number of businesses operating as part of the gig economy who work on the basis that they are engaging self employed individuals. The employment status of these individuals can be a tricky area and the courts will scrutinise what is happening in practice and whether the individuals are truly self-employed. Workers do of course have greater protection under employment law, being entitled to holiday, NMW etc.
Given the number of businesses working on the basis of self-employed engagements, it's worth keeping an eye on what happens with this appeal at the EAT.
An appeal by Uber against a ruling that its drivers are entitled to benefits such as holiday pay is due to be heard at an Employment Appeals Tribunal. In October, drivers won the right to be classed as workers, rather than self-employed, meaning they are entitled to the minimum wage and paid rest breaks.
