Uber's London ban provokes landmark employment lawsuit

Ride hailing app Uber has been stripped of its operating license in London. The city’s transport authority (TfL) announced that the firm was barred from working within the city, due to concerns over “public safety and security implications”, concluding that the app is not “fit and proper”.

Now that Uber’s London license has been revoked, this week the firm will begin its appeal in landmark UK employment case over whether its drivers should be classified as workers or self-employed.

The legal appeal is set against the case won by two drivers that ruled they were workers, entitled to minimum wage and holiday pay – The Financial Times reports. Uber, however, argues that it is an app that connects drivers with people, and is not an employer. Uber said: “Drivers have overwhelmingly told us that they want to remain independent contractors. We believe we have a strong case and are looking forward to it being heard next week.”

However, Sean Nesbitt, Partner and Employment Specialist at Taylor Wessing, added that he is sceptical that Uber will succeed in their appeal.