Search

How can we help?

Icon

Michael Sippitt comments on Uber losing UK legal appeal against drivers’ rights

Landmark ruling sees company lose ruling its drivers should be classed as workers rather than self-employed.

Taxi-hailing firm Uber has lost its appeal on Friday (10 November) against a ruling that its drivers should be classed as workers rather than self-employed.

In 2016, a tribunal ruled that drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam were “Uber staff” and entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks and the minimum wage.

Michael Sippitt, chairman of Clarkslegal, said the scale of the prospective liability for national minimum wage, sick pay and holiday pay, that Uber could face all but guaranteed the company would escalate the legal tussle.

“However, contrary to Uber’s statement, worker status is flexible for the business engaging the services because there is no ongoing obligation to provide work. This case does not extend to full employee status, which would confer entitlement to redundancy payments or to claim unfair dismissal, to these workers.”

Read full article here: International Business Times

“The scale of the prospective liability for national minimum wage, sick pay and holiday pay, that Uber could face all but guaranteed the company would escalate the legal tussle.”

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

Michael Sippitt

Senior Consultant

View profile

+44 118 958 5321

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

Pub
  • 04 August 2026
  • Employment

From Opportunity to Employment: Building Inclusive Workplaces Together | Hosted by Breakthrough Supported Employment

Join Breakthrough Supported Employment for a live seminar on building inclusive workplaces at Malmaison Reading. Clarkslegal’s Lucy White will speak alongside industry experts, sharing insights on fostering diversity and creating equitable opportunities.

art
  • 04 August 2026
  • Litigation and dispute resolution

Advantages of arbitration over litigation

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside the court system, with the dispute being determined by an independent arbitrator or tribunal rather than a judge. Whether a dispute is best resolved through arbitration or litigation will ultimately depend on the particular facts and circumstances of the case.

art
  • 04 August 2026
  • Immigration

Home Office revokes EU Settlement Scheme Status ‘Granted in Error’ – What does This Mean for EU Citizens?

Recent reports that the Home Office has begun revoking the immigration status of some EU nationals on the basis that it was originally “granted in error” have caused understandable concern among immigration practitioners and those with status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

art
  • 03 August 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Shareholders’ Agreements FAQ Guide – SHA Series Part 1 of 5

Shareholders’ agreements are a crucial but often overlooked tool for companies with multiple owners. While many rely solely on standard articles of association, this can leave significant gaps in governance and protection.

art
  • 29 July 2026
  • Employment

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key takeaways from the Consultation for Zero Hour Reforms

The government published its consultation on reform of zero hour, low hour and agency worker contracts on 2nd June 2026. The consultation closes on 25 August 2026 and so there is still time to get responses in to help shape the operation of the new provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (the “Act”).

art
  • 27 July 2026
  • Commercial Real Estate

What every business should know about commercial leases

Understand the key commercial lease clauses that can affect your business, including break clauses, security of tenure, repairs, alterations, rent reviews and assignment rights. Learn what tenants and landlords should consider when negotiating lease terms.