Pimlico Plumbers , founded by Conservative party donor Charlie Mullins , has lost a court of appeal case arguing that plumber Gary Smith was an “independent contractor” rather than an employee. Smith had previously won an employment tribunal where he argued that he was not self-employed. Marian Bloodworth, employment partner at Kemp Little, said the judgment highlighted the need for legal clarity around the status of those working on a self-employed basis and in the gig economy. The ruling is latest affecting workers in the gig economy. Last year , a courier for Uber won the right to paid holidays and the minimum wage, whilst in 2016 delivery firm Smith was told to pay the minimum wage. 2016 , CitySprint also lost the right to categorise drivers as self-employed.
Pimlico Plumbers , founded by Conservative party donor Charlie Mullins , has lost a court of appeal case arguing that plumber Gary Smith was an “independent contractor” rather than an employee. Smith had previously won an employment tribunal where he argued that he was not self-employed. The ruling is latest affecting workers in the gig economy. Last year , a courier for Uber won the right to paid holidays and the minimum wage, whilst in 2016 delivery firm Smith was told to pay the minimum wage. 2016 , CitySprint also lost the right to categorise drivers as self-employed.