Summarised by Centrist
In a landmark decision, the Court of Appeal has dismissed Uber’s appeal against a ruling that classifies its drivers as employees rather than contractors. The Court found that Uber drivers have no opportunity to establish their own business goodwill or negotiate their terms while logged into the app, making them employees under the law.
The ruling, which upholds a 2022 Employment Court decision, grants Uber drivers essential employee benefits like minimum wage and holiday pay.
“This is a win for all working people,” declared Nurredin Abdurahman, one of the drivers who brought the case forward. The decision has been celebrated by many as a significant step toward fair treatment of gig economy workers.
Judges Goddard, Ellis, and Wylie concluded, “Drivers cannot be said to be carrying on their own independent transport service businesses while providing services through Uber’s platform.”
The ruling has brought calls from unions and the Labour Party for the government to drop proposed law changes that could prevent similar challenges in the future. Labour’s Camilla Belich stated, “This court decision means that drivers will be recognised as employees and have the employment rights they have always deserved.”
The Green Party also urged the government to respect the ruling and refrain from weakening employment protections.
Uber plans to appeal the decision again, arguing that flexibility in contracting arrangements is needed for both workers and businesses.
