Uber has now been granted the right to appeal last year’s Employment Tribunal decision on employment status.

In October 2016, the London Central Employment Tribunal found against the company Uber, which allows people to book and pay for a taxi via an app. The Tribunal concluded that the people who work for Uber are workers, not self-employed as the company claimed, and as such they are entitled to workers’ rights. This includes the right to receive the national minimum wage, paid holidays and not suffer discrimination.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Uber confirmed that they would be appealing the decision. They have now been granted leave to do so and the appeal will be heard in September.

What next?

Late last year, Matthew Taylor, the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts, was asked to assess modern employment practices, looking at whether the current laws on employment status are fit for purpose, especially with the rise in alternative business models referred to as the “gig economy”. It is envisaged that this report will be available in or around June 2017. It is likely it will contain a number of recommendations, which the government will need to look at.

We will keep you up to date with all the developments of court decisions and reviews.

Employment status is a very complex issue. If you have any particular concerns in your workplace, please seek advice from your Employment Law Adviser, who will be able to give you guidance and support.