Uber's Drivers Are ‘Workers'

Employment status cases back in the spotlight

The Supreme Court has today handed down its much-anticipated judgment on the status of Uber's drivers, unanimously affirming the findings of the tribunals and the Court of Appeal; Uber's drivers are ‘workers' and are ‘working' whenever they are: (a) on the Uber app; (b) within the territory in which they are authorised to work; and (c) are able and willing to accept jobs on the app.

Uber contended that its drivers are independent, third-party contractors – that Uber is simply the booking agent between its drivers and riders, and this position is stated in its standard contract terms, which its drivers and riders must accept in order to use the Uber app.