Supreme Court Decides That Uber Drivers Are Workers

The Supreme Court has upheld a Tribunal's decision that drivers working for Uber were workers and not self-employed contractors. This decision is important for employers engaging contractors as it highlights the continued willingness of the Courts and Tribunals to scrutinise the way a relationship works in practice, regardless of contractual labels.

What does the law say?

Certain important employment rights are granted to those who qualify as "workers", even where they do not qualify as "employees". For example, workers have the right to:

• be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage;
• to take paid annual leave and have rest breaks;
• to be paid statutory sick pay when sick;