Uber drivers in the UK have been ruled out as independent contractors.

Uber, the ridesharing giant, has been at the center of discussions around the nature of self-employment since becoming a public company. Uber has argued that it acts as a middleman between drivers and passengers, rather than having employees. This distinction has led to challenges for Uber drivers worldwide in earning decent incomes, lacking protections like minimum wage assurances. This scenario has now changed, at least in the UK.

The UK Supreme Court decided unanimously that Uber drivers cannot be classified as independent contractors due to the extent of control Uber exercises over their work, according to the court.

While the full repercussions of this ruling are yet to unfold, it will significantly impact how Uber operates in the UK going forward. Should Uber drivers be recognized as employees, they would become entitled to the country’s minimum wage regulations and paid time off.

Uber responded by stating its commitment to making further changes and engaging with all active drivers in the UK to understand their desired adjustments.

“We acknowledge the Court’s decision, which centered on a specific group of drivers who used the Uber app in 2016. Since then, we have implemented substantial changes to our operations, in collaboration with drivers. These involve offering more earning flexibility and introducing new protections such as free insurance for sickness or injury,” commented Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe.

Latest Update: Uber faces a setback as the UK’s Supreme Court rules that drivers must be treated as workers eligible for minimum wage and time off.https://t.co/IGpEvbHKfx

— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 19, 2021

“It took us six years to demand what we were owed in 2015. Some entity, whether within the government or regulatory bodies, grievously failed these workers, many of whom are in vulnerable positions,” noted Yaseen Aslam, a former Uber driver who sued the company in 2016.

“I believe Uber should continue if they wish, but they must treat their workforce with respect, the individuals who are the backbone of this industry,” he urged.