Gig economy workers deserve fair pay

Editor,

Recently the Court of Appeal handed down a judgment that could potentially impact gig economy workers working in Manchester.

The ruling means private hire firm Addison Lee, which operates in Manchester, will not be permitted to appeal an Employment Tribunal’s decision that drivers are entitled to workers’ rights.

This decision follows hot on the heels of the landmark Uber judgment in the Supreme Court stating that Uber drivers are entitled to receive the national minimum wage and holiday pay.

Leigh Day represents more than 100 Addison Lee drivers, but we believe thousands could be entitled to an average of £10,000 in compensation.

Importantly, the private hire company will only be legally required to compensate those who have brought a claim.

This is a huge decision in favour of Addison Lee drivers and yet another blow to big firms operating in the gig economy. 

Leigh Day has been fighting for workers’ rights on behalf of our clients for several years, so we are delighted that the end is now finally in sight for these hard-working drivers.

We hope that other companies with similar business models to Uber and Addison Lee recognise that they cannot continue to deny people basic rights such as holiday pay and the national minimum wage.

For more information or to join the Addison Lee claim, visit: leighday.co.uk/addisonlee-claim

Liana Wood

Solicitor in the Leigh Day employment team

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.