Court of Appeal rejects Pimlico Plumber’s ex-workers status

The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by Pimlico Plumbers on the employment status of a former worker.
Gary Smith, who worked for the London-based company for six years until 2011, had already won an employment tribunal case after challenging the company’s view that he was self-employed.
His solicitor Jacqueline McGuigan said today’s court decision could affect other workers in the so-called gig economy, such as delivery drivers.

Gary Smith worked at the company as a plumber before being laid off after a heart attack.
“We are absolutely delighted. The decision brings welcome clarity to the issue of employment status relating to work in parts of the economy,” she told the Press Association.

They are currently classed as “independent contractors”, not workers or employees, and are not entitled to basic employment rights such as minimum wage, holiday or sick pay, said the GMB.