Chris Ames 02 August 2023

Councils slammed over '47-year negligence' after Uber court case

Councils slammed over 47-year negligence after Uber court case image
Image: Punkrock101 / Shutterstock.com.

A union representing private hire drivers has claimed a significant victory in a court case that has clarified the legal status of ride-hailing services and their drivers.

The APP Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) said a case brought by Uber, in which it had intervened, had ended 47 years of regulatory misclassification that denied minicab drivers their rights as workers.

Last week Uber secured a High Court ruling that licensed operators in England who accept a booking are required to enter as principal into a contract with the passenger and should therefore pay 20% VAT on their margins.

This followed a 2021 ruling in a case brought by the ADCU against Uber under separate legislation covering London, which forced Uber to contract directly with passengers, helping to confirm drivers as workers with statutory protections and making Uber liable for VAT.

The new case, Uber Britannia Ltd (UBL) v Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, related to Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, under which Uber is licensed by 52 authorities, including Sefton. Sixty-nine other private hire operators are similarly licensed by Sefton under the Act.

To continue reading visit Transport Network.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About Us Abingdon Community Support Service's primary purpose is to support adults to engage with a stimulating programme of meaningful individual and rewarding group activities. The Social and Community Services vision is to support and promote strong c Abingdon Community Support Service
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Quality and Review Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You will provide administrative, clerical and typing services to the Quality & Review Service, specifically in support of the Inde Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Duty Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
We have an opportunity for a Duty Manager at Meadowfield Leisure Centre.  WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of t Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHAT IS INVOLVED?   You should be an enthusiastic team player who takes pride in providing excellent customer service.  You will have good communicati Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent Support Officer to join our dedicated team within Business Services (part time 22 hours).   WHAT IS IN Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner