Court rejection of workers’ status has knock-on effects for gig economy operators such as Uber and Deliveroo
Pimlico Plumbers has lost a court battle over the status of its workers, in the latest legal ruling on employment status in the gig economy.
It came as the government released a report warning that “unscrupulous” employers were in a position to exploit low-paid and low-skilled workers.
Plumber Gary Smith, who worked for Pimlico Plumbers for six years until 2011, had already won an employment tribunal challenging the firm’s view that he was self-employed.
The court of appeal rejected an appeal lodged by Pimlico Plumbers, founded by the Conservative party donor Charlie Mullins.
The firm argued Smith was an “independent contractor” rather than a worker or employee.
Source: Pimlico Plumbers loses appeal against self-employed status | Business | The Guardian