European Employment Law Cases

Case Reports

2018/9 Uber’s work status appeal rejected (UK)

Keywords Miscellaneous, Employment status
Authors Laetitia Cooke
DOI
Author's information

Laetitia Cooke
Laetitia Cooke is an Associate at Lewis Silkin LLP.
  • Abstract

      Following an appeal by Uber against an employment tribunal (ET) finding last year, which was featured in EELC 2017/10, that its drivers are ‘workers’ and not self-employed contractors (reported in EELC 2017-1), the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has now upheld the ET’s original decision. The EAT rejected Uber’s arguments that it was merely a technology platform, as well as its statement that it did not provide transportation services. This decision is important as it means that Uber drivers are entitled to certain rights under UK law, such as the right to holiday pay, to the national minimum wage (NMW) and protection against detrimental treatment for ‘blowing the whistle’ against malpractice. Uber has approximately 40,000 drivers (and about 3.5 million users of its mobile phone application in London alone) and so this decision has potentially significant financial consequences for the company.

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