Uber granted appeal in landmark legal case over employment status of drivers as workers or self-employed April 19, 2017 Uber has been granted an appeal in a landmark legal battle over the employment status of its drivers in the UK. The multi-billion dollar startup will return to court later this year to argue against an employment tribunal ruling which last year said that Uber drivers should be classed as workers and are not self-employed. [...]
More trouble for Green as Arcadia depot staff to strike over wages December 8, 2016 Workers at Arcadia’ distribution arm, who are part of the GMB union, voted for fresh industrial action yesterday. Staff members at Spectrum for Arcadia, a division of the DHL Logistics Supply Chain, are set to walk out today and then again on Monday in support of a pay claim for a Real Living Wage – [...]
Minicab drivers in London are protesting against English language tests December 8, 2016 Minicab drivers in the capital will protest today against new rules on language tests which have been called "completely unfair". Drivers, represented by GMB union, will demonstrate at City Hall against the introduction of English language requirements by Transport for London. Hundreds of drivers are expected to turn out to protest against the "ludicrously priced" exam. All [...]
The number of Uber drivers fighting for workers rights has doubled December 12, 2016 The number of Uber drivers claiming they are workers rather than self-employed has now doubled as a further 25 drivers joined as claimants in a legal case which ruled in favour of them in October. It brings the total number of drivers in the case seeking rights to holiday and sick pay along with other benefits to 50, [...]
Strikes over pension cuts are set to hit the drinks giant leading up to Christmas November 21, 2016 Strikes are set to hit Diageo in the weeks up to Christmas. Workers at the global drinks giant voted for industrial action over cuts to their pensions, the GMB union said. The employees work in Diageo's Scottish operations, including bottling plants at Leven and Shieldhall and distilleries across the country. The company had been reviewing the pension [...]
Uber drivers are NOT self-employed but entitled to workers’ rights, says employment tribunal October 28, 2016 Uber drivers are entitled to basic workers' rights, an employment tribunal announced today, in a landmark legal case. The hearing at a London employment tribunal is the first case of its kind in the UK. The action was brought by the GMB union which represents drivers, and law firm Leigh Day. Nigel Mackay, employment lawyer [...]
Addison Lee pumps £7.5m in to training after splashing out on new cars November 29, 2016 London private car hire firm Addison Lee is pouring £7.5m in to driver training. The company – which is battling against US upstart Uber for market share – claims it’s the largest ever private investment in driver training in the industry. The fresh spending follows Addison Lee plugging £17m into new cars earlier this month, purchasing [...]
What the frack, Jeremy? Ineos writes huffy letter to Corbyn complaining about Labour policy October 18, 2016 The chief executive of fracking firm Ineos Shale has written to Jeremy Corbyn to complain about the Labour leader's plans to ban the industry if he were elected. He told Corbyn fracking will create 74,000 jobs in the UK and £33bn of investment, and Labour should be backing it. The chief exec, Gary Haywood, told Today he was "astounded" [...]
ASOS boss says “it isn’t very practical” to be like an employer from the Victorian era October 5, 2016 ASOS has kicked back against accusations of poor working practices in its Barnsley warehouse and has said the company looks forward to engaging with the government on the issues surrounding low paid workers. "The picture of an uncaring, secretive and exploiting employer from the Victorian times is false," ASOS said in a statement. "Actually, it isn't practical either. [...]
Labour leadership contender Owen Smith wants an inquiry into working practices at Asos August 10, 2016 An urgent inquiry into working practices at online retailer Asos is necessary, Labour leadership contender Owen Smith has said. Smith today called for an inquiry to deal with employment practices at Asos, warning it is "the new Sports Direct". Writing to chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee Ian Wright, Smith asked for consideration [...]