The drivers claim they are being denied basic workers’ rights by being forced to declare as self-employed, meaning they are not entitled to holiday pay or to be paid the legal minimum hourly rate under the national living wage. In 2016 the ride-hailing firm Uber was told its drivers should be classed as “workers” with minimum-wage rights. Uber, which says its drivers are self-employed, lost its appeal against the decision last year but said it would appeal again. “Guaranteed hours, holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions are not privileges companies can dish out when they fancy. Uber said that in a survey of its drivers conducted in September, 80% said they wished to remain working as an independent contractor.

Source: The Guardian April 29, 2018 23:00 UTC