2016-10-28t141802z_803253493_lr1ecas13prsb_rtrmadp_3_uber-britain-tribunal.jpg Photo ReutersUber should no longer treat its drivers as self-employed, a British tribunal ruled on Friday, in a decision which threatens the taxi app's business model by forcing it to pay the minimum wage and offer holiday entitlement. Two drivers brought their case to a British employment tribunal in July, arguing the rapidly expanding app, which allows users to book and pay for a taxi by smartphone, was acting unlawfully by not providing certain employment rights. "This is a monumental victory that will have a hugely positive impact on drivers ... and for thousands more in other industries where bogus self-employment is rife," said Maria Ludkin, legal director at the GMB union which brought the case. Uber, which is valued at $US62.5 billion (48 billion pounds) and whose investors include Goldman Sachs and GV, formerly known as Google Ventures, has faced protests, bans and legal action around the world. "While the decision of this preliminary hearing only affects two people we will be appealing it,"

Source: Otago Daily Times October 28, 2016 19:37 UTC