In the workers rights appeal case today, Judge Eady QC said she will reserve her decision for a later date.
The future of the gig economy hangs in the balance
Judge Eady QC's ruling could have a major impact on the operating costs of Uber and the wider gig economy with delivery firms such as Deliveroo and Jinn, which rely on a network of self-employed couriers, also being impacted.
Unfortunately we will now have to wait
There are over 1 million people working in the gig economy in the UK, according to recent government estimates. Gig economy advocates argue it provides convenience for users and flexibility, but detractors argue that it strips away employment rights. Galbraith-Marten QC said that the rise of casual work associated with the gig economy does not of itself defeat "worker" status.
Judge Eady QC said she will reserve her decision for a later date. If Judge Eady QC rules in the driver's favour then Uber will be able to appeal again to the Court of Appeal and possibly to the Supreme Court. The process could last several years, according to the FT.
"In recent years employers in the so-called 'gig economy' have been allowed to run wild on a rampage of exploitation," said IWGB general secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee in a statement earlier this year. "These low paid workers have been fighting back both on the streets and in the courts, and winning."
Earlier this week Addison Lee drivers won their case and are now entitled to full range of employees rights.
Uber's main argument for why it doesn't need to give driver's worker benefits is flawed, lawyer claims
Former Uber drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam took Uber to court last October over their employment status and won.
They wanted to be classed as workers that are entitled to rights such as holiday pay and minimum wage.
Uber believes that its drivers are "self-employed" and appealed against the ruling on Wednesday. The driver's legal team fought back on Thursday.
The San Francisco-headquartered Minicab giant, brought in barrister Dinah Rose QC to fight its corner while Jason Galbraith-Marten QC represented the drivers.
The outcome of the appeal could have major implications on the wider gig economy in the UK, but we will now have to wait.
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