Specialist Employment Lawyers Comment On Latest Development

Private hire firm Uber has launched an appeal against a landmark employment tribunal ruling which could have an impact on thousands of people working in the so-called 'gig economy'.

Described as the most significant employment case of the year, in July 2016, 19 Uber drivers contested their 'employment' status with the GMB union arguing on their behalf that their employment terms and conditions meant they were not technically self-employed and were in fact ‘workers’.

As a result it was claimed that they should be entitled to a range of benefits that apply to workers including the right to be paid the National Minimum Wage, holiday pay and pension.

The GMB won the high-profile case in October, but the announcement by Uber that they are contesting the decision will ensure the case continues  well into 2017.

Maria Ludkin, the GMB's legal director, said: "GMB is very disappointed Uber has decided to lodge this appeal in a bid to deny their workers basic rights.

"The findings in the original tribunal were damning, and continuing this course of action is frivolous. It's a waste of time and money - Uber should hold their hands up and admit they were wrong.

"We hope the court will reject this appeal, and uphold a ruling which was an incredible victory for workers in the gig economy everywhere."

Jo Bertram, Uber’s UK general manager, said: “Tens of thousands of people in London drive with Uber precisely because they want to be self-employed and their own boss. The overwhelming majority of drivers who use the Uber app want to keep the freedom and flexibility of being able to drive when and where they want.”