The Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld a ruling that states Addison Lee drivers are employees and not self-employed contractors.
The original case was brought to the courts by the GMB union, which represents private hire drivers, in relation to three drivers who argued they should be entitled to the minimum wage and holiday pay.
Addison Lee appealed, but the Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld the original ruling, which only applies to the drivers involved in the case. However, the drivers’ solicitor Liana Wood said there are similar claims from around 40 other current and former drivers that would now be brought to the courts, according to the BBC.
The news follows similar rulings against Uber and delivery company Hermes, which both argued that drivers are self-employed contractors and therefore should not be entitled to workers’ benefits.
GMB legal director Sue Harris hailed the ruling as a “huge win” for the union. “Once again the courts have agreed Addison Lee drivers are legally entitled to workers’ rights such as the national minimum wage and holiday pay rights. Other employers should take note – GMB will not stop pursuing these exploitative companies on behalf of our members.”
Addison Lee has the right to appeal against the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal and says it is reviewing the decision.
In a statement, the firm said: “Addison Lee is disappointed with the ruling, as we enjoy a positive relationship with the vast majority of our 3,800 driver partners. In common with most of the industry, the majority are self-employed, and with earnings at a record high.”