Britain’s Supreme Court rules Uber drivers are employees

The judges said that Uber drivers are entitled to worker rights like minimum wage, paid holidays and rest breaks

The ride-hailing platform’s drivers are currently treated as self-employed, meaning that by law they are only afforded minimal protections

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Uber drivers celebrate outside the Supreme Court in London on Friday. Photo: AP

Published: 7:58pm, 19 Feb 2021Updated: 7:58pm, 19 Feb 2021

A group of Uber drivers are entitled to worker rights such as the minimum wage, Britain’s Supreme Court decided on Friday in a blow to the ride-hailing service that could have ramifications for millions of others in the gig economy.

In a case led by two drivers, a London employment tribunal ruled in 2016 that they were entitled to benefits such as paid holidays and rest breaks.

Uber drivers are currently treated as self-employed, meaning that by law they are only afforded minimal protections, a status the Silicon Valley-based company sought to maintain through continued court action.

“The Supreme Court unanimously dismisses Uber’s appeal,” judge George Leggatt said on Friday.

“The legislation is intended to give certain protections to vulnerable individuals who have little or no say over their pay and working conditions.”

Uber said the verdict did not apply to all of its current 60,000 drivers in Britain, including 45,000 in London, one of its most important global markets.

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