Uber Drivers Have Rights on Wages and Time Off, UK Panel Rules (apnews.com)

Uber suffered a blow on Friday to its operations in its biggest market outside the United States when a British panel ruled in London rejected the company's argument that its drivers were self employed. The decision, which affirmed a ruling made last year, means that Uber will have to ensure its drivers in Britain are paid a minimum wage and entitled to time off, casting doubt on a common hiring model in the so-called gig economy that relies on workers who do not have a formal contract as permanent employees. From a report: Judge Jennifer Eady rejected Uber's argument that the men were independent contractors, because the drivers had no opportunity to make their own agreements with passengers and the company required them to accept 80 percent of trip requests when they were on duty. The tribunal, Eady wrote in her decision, found "the drivers were integrated into the Uber business of providing transportation services." The ride-hailing service said it has never required drivers in the U.K. to accept 80 percent of the trips offered to them and that drivers make well above the minimum wage. Employment lawyers expect the case to be heard by higher courts as early as next year.

Comments

Re:Are they stupid or something?

[whoever57]

Of course, but if you decide to not go home and wait to see if any work will come up fior you to do, thatÃ(TM)s in your own time, not your bossÃ(TM)s

If you are on site, waiting for work, in the UK, an employment tribunal might decide that you are actually working for those hours. Bosses really need to send people home and not let them linger on site if they want to ensure that they are safe from an unpaid wages claim.