UK Supreme Court rules that Uber drivers are 'workers,' not independent contractors

[Eugene]

Source: CNN

UK Supreme Court rules that Uber drivers are 'workers,' not independent contractors

By Scott McLean and Mick Krever, CNN Business
Updated 1316 GMT (2116 HKT) February 19, 2021

London (CNN Business) — Uber is reviewing how it treats thousands of drivers in the United Kingdom after the Supreme Court upheld a ruling that they should be classified as workers and not independent contractors.

The unanimous decision could deliver a major blow to the company's business model in one of its most important markets, and opens the door for drivers to claim the minimum wage and paid time off, legal experts said.

The court said Friday that the group of Uber drivers that brought the case to an employment tribunal were not independent contractors because their activities were "very tightly defined and controlled by Uber." The judge cited the company's control over fares and how it dictates the contractual terms on which drivers perform their services.

While the practical effects of the ruling are not yet clear, the decision could change how Uber (UBER) does business in the United Kingdom. The next step is for an employment tribunal to decide how to compensate dozens of claimants. Uber shares were down 2.5% premarket in New York.

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Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/19/tech/uber-uk-workers/index.html

[Laelth]

1. Shocking.

That is an excellent, if unexpected, ruling.



-Laelth

[MichMan]

2. Wonder if they will still be able to set their own hours & choose where and when they are working ?

Last edited Fri Feb 19, 2021, 10:17 AM - Edit history (1)

I have never used their services, but I have heard that the flexibility to work as few or many hours as you want on a daily or weekly basis is what made the gig appealing to many workers.

As a regular employee instead of an independent contractor, will they now be assigned specific hours and locations by Uber and have to get vacation days approved ?