TUC: Uber case has exposed ‘dark side’ of the UK’s labour market

31 Oct 2016 12:06 PM

Commenting on the recent (Wednesday) employment tribunal decision on Uber, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“The GMB deserve huge credit for a shining light on conditions at Uber and winning this landmark action.

“This case has exposed the dark side of so-called ‘flexible’ labour. For many workers the gig economy is a rigged economy, where bosses can get out of paying the minimum wage and providing basics like paid holidays and rest breaks.

“What is happening at Uber is just the tip of the iceberg. Lots of people are now trapped in insecure jobs, with low pay and no voice at work.

“We need the government to get tough on sham self-employment. The Taylor review of employment practices must be a no-holds-barred investigation. And it must recognise the important role trade unions can play in ending precarious working.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Matthew Taylor, the former head of Tony Blair’s policy unit, has been hired by Theresa May to head a review of workers’ rights and practices, which will try to address concerns that millions are stuck in insecure and stressful work.
• Add your voice to GMB’s campaign and tell Uber to stop driving down workers' rights.
• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
• Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews