Uber fails in appeal to classify drivers as self-employed

The Employment Tribunal determined last year that drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam were staff of the company and therefore entitled to holiday pay as well as breaks and a minimum wage.

But the firm appealed, saying its drivers were self-employed and not obligated to use its app.

The original decision was upheld, namely that any Uber driver who used the app was working for the firm under a “worker” contract.

It has confirmed it will appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeal.

There are an estimated 50,000 Uber drivers in the UK and the company claims 80 per cent of its drivers would prefer to be classified as self-employed.