BREAKING NEWS: Uber loses its emplyment appeal against London drivers' labour rights

London’s Employment Appeal Tribunal has rejected an appeal brought by Uber challenging an earlier decision granting Uber drivers workers’ rights.

Judge Eady QC confirmed today that Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) members Yaseen Aslam and James Farrar were limb (b) workers at the time they were riding for Uber, and are therefore entitled to the minimum wage and holiday pay, among other rights.

Co-claimant and co-founder of the IWGB's United Private Hire Drivers branch (UPHD) Aslam said: ‘I have been campaigning against Uber since 2014 and although I always knew I was on the right side, it has always been a struggle that has brought enormous pressure on us.

‘I am glad that the judge today confirmed what I and thousands of drivers have known all along: that Uber is not only exploiting drivers, but also acting unlawfully. We will carry on fighting until this exploitation stops and workers' rights are respected.’

Echoing Aslam’s sentiments, co-claimant and IWGB UPHD branch chair Farrar said: ‘Uber cannot go on flouting UK law with impunity and depriving people of their minimum wage rights.

‘We have done everything we can, now it is time for the Mayor of London, Transport for London and the Transport Secretary to step up and use their leverage to defend worker rights rather than turn a blind eye to sweatshop conditions.’

IWGB General Secretary Dr Jason Moyer-Lee: ‘Today's victory is further proof, as if any more was needed, that the law is clear and these companies are simply choosing to deprive workers of their rights.

‘These companies are making a mockery of supposed employment rights. The government needs to properly enforce the law and they need to do it now.’

The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision marks an important turning point in the fight for workers’ rights within the so-called gig economy.