Drivers win employment rights tribunal case against Uber

Uber has lost a tribunal case on the employment rights of drivers, a ruling which could affect thousands of other workers.

Two drivers, supported by the GMB union, brought legal action against the private hire firm, arguing that they should be entitled to holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and breaks.

The Central London Employment Tribunal ruled in their favour on Friday, and the GMB said the outcome of the case could have "major" implications for more than 30,000 drivers across England and Wales.

The case centred on whether drivers with the firm, where passengers hail cars using an app, are employees.

Uber designates its drivers as self-employed workers, claiming it is a technology company rather than a taxi firm, and says the arrangements allow people to be their own boss and work flexibly.

But drivers argue they are actual employees of the organisation, rather than independent operators running their own businesses.