Uber loses appeal against workers’ rights

Uber has lost an appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that its drivers should be treated as workers rather than self-employed.

Last year, GMB, the union for professional drivers, brought two test cases to the Central London Employment Tribunal, which decided that Uber drivers are entitled to receive holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and an entitlement to breaks.

Uber argued its drivers are self-employed and has said it will also appeal against this latest ruling.

Maria Ludkin, GMB legal director, said: “Uber must now face up to its responsibilities and give its workers the rights to which they are entitled.

“GMB urges the company not to waste everyone’s time and money dragging their lost cause to the Supreme Court.”

Nigel Mackay, employment solicitor at law firm Leigh Day added: "We have always believed that the employment tribunal’s decision was entirely correct in saying that our GMB member clients were entitled to workers’ right such as the minimum wage and holiday pay.

“We now hope that Uber will accept this decision, rather than seeking pursuing appeals, so that we can swiftly return to the Employment Tribunal on behalf of our GMB member clients, for the Tribunal to decide the compensation that they are entitled to.”