Newsflash: EAT says Uber drivers are ‘workers’

What do we already know?

We updated you in our November 2016 Newsflash Uber drivers are ‘workers’ on the Tribunal’s decision that drivers who provide services to the online taxi firm, Uber, are ‘workers’, rather than self-employed.

Uber appealed the Tribunal’s decision to the EAT.

What’s new?

The EAT has upheld the Tribunal’s decision that Uber drivers are ‘workers’ and therefore qualify for workers’ rights such as the national minimum wage, 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave each year, pension scheme and a maximum 48 hour average working week etc.

We understand that Uber are likely to appeal this decision and may even seek a leapfrog appeal to the Supreme Court so that this case can be heard at the same time as the case of Pimlico Plumbers v Smith (see our February 2017 Newsletter Case update (1): Employment status). This case is due to be heard by the Supreme Court on 20-21 February 2018.

We will provide further detail on this case in our November 2017 Newsletter.