On 28 October, a London employment tribunal ruled that drivers which operate via the Uber application should be considered employees. This unprecedented ruling could have significant effects on the so-called “gig economy”, a flourishing segment which relies on the mass use of independent workers. However, Uber – which is set to appeal – is certainly not going to let this pass easily.
Paid holidays, a minimum wage, sick pay and paid leave; according to a London tribunal, these are rights that all ‘employees’ in Uber’s huge network of drivers should enjoy. The ruling, which was passed after two drivers operating via the application brought forward a complaint this summer (see article n°9780), indicates that Uber had been in the wrong by considering its drivers as independent workers.
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