Pimlico Plumbers loses court battle over worker status
A Court of Appeal ruling could signify huge changes for businesses in the gig economy.
Garry Smith wished to reduce his working hours with Pimlico Plumbers following a heart attack but the firm refused and he claims he was dismissed.
The court of appeal has now agreed with an employment tribunal that he was entitled to basic workers’ rights despite being self-employed.
The landmark decision, which is sure to affect other sections of the gig economy such as Uber - which lost the right to designate its drivers as self-employed last year - has been welcomed by the workers' union, GMB.