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 case is latest affecting workers in the gig industry . The Green party said the government’s failure to publish the report since it was completed in December 2015 had increased uncertainty for gig economy workers and forced them to take the risk of going to tribunal. Earlier this year , a courier for CitySprint won the right to paid holidays and the minimum wage , whilst in 2016 delivery firm Deliveroo was told to pay the minimum wage . Last year , they also lost the right to register 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 case is latest affecting workers in the gig industry . Earlier this year , a courier for CitySprint won the right to paid holidays and the minimum wage , whilst in 2016 delivery firm Deliveroo was told to pay the minimum wage . Last year , they also lost the right to register drivers as self - employed .