UK Supreme Court rules against Uber

Remember last year Uber won a very important court case in California which concluded that Uber drivers do not work for Uber. That meant that Uber could remain a platform and the drivers essentially work for themselves.

Unfortunately, the UK Supreme Court has seen the situation differently. They have ruled that Uber drivers are not independent contractors but are rather part-time workers for Uber. The ruling is sort of in the middle because the drivers are still not classified as full time workers.

This means that drivers are eligible for minimum wage and Uber needs to charge VAT on the drives. Very disappointing news for the consumer I am afraid. Of course this ruling only applies to the UK but others are also pending around the EU.

Does this ruling make financial sense to still operate in the UK? Probably, we will have to see how Uber reacts.

Laws around the world are fluid and adjust with the times. Uber is paving the way for gig economy workers. Each country sees it differently. We think over the long run most countries will be sensible and both Uber and the drivers will be able to thrive.