Employment Lawyers Provide Comment

A courier with logistics company, City Sprint, has won an employment rights case in a ruling which could have widespread implications for the ‘gig economy’.

The Tribunal found that Maggie Dewhurst  should be classed as a worker rather than self-employed and should therefore be entitled to basic rights including holiday and sick pay and the national living wage.

The decision will only apply to Ms Dewhurst and follows a similar landmark ruling against Uber in October last year which found that drivers should be classed as workers rather than self-employed. Uber announced in December that it will appeal the decision.

Ms Dewhurst, who had been with City Sprint for the past two years and was classed by the company as self-employed, said: "We spend all day being told what to do, when to do it and how to do it. We're under their control. We're not a mosaic of small businesses and that's why we deserve basic employment rights like the national minimum wage."

She added: “I'm delighted that the tribunal ruled in our favour as it has set a legal and moral precedent which others can use to make similar claims."

Commenting on the tribunal ruling, City Sprint said: "This case has demonstrated that there is still widespread confusion regarding this area of law, which is why we are calling on the government to provide better support and help for businesses across the UK who could be similarly affected."

For more information on Employment Law or to speak to one of our specialist employment solicitors contact us today on 0370 1500 100 or visit our Employment Law page for more information.