On October 28, an employment tribunal handed down its judgment in the Uber case.

Although the decision is likely to be appealed to the higher courts it will ultimately define the status of millions of workers who supply their services in the so-called "gig" economy.

It could have huge implications for businesses in Watford, especially those that rely on large numbers of self-employed contractors.

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Uber launched in San Francisco in 2010 and made it to London two years later.

There are now about 30,000 Uber drivers operating in the London area alone.

The two drivers who brought the case, with the backing of their trade union, had signed up to various complex agreements and were classed as self-employed.

The drivers argued that Uber imposed numerous conditions on them which had the effect that their employment status was different.

The conditions related to the type of vehicles the drivers must use, how they should do their work, and also controlled their performance using a rating system.

In the event of a dispute about a passenger fare, Uber would determine the outcome.

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The two drivers sought clarification of their employment status through an employment tribunal and sought claims for National Minimum Wage and holiday pay.

The tribunal held that while there was no obligation on the part of the drivers to perform work, the notion that Uber in London was a mosaic for 30,000 small businesses was, in the mind of the tribunal, "faintly ridiculous". Accordingly, the drivers were held to be workers and entitled to claim the national minimum wage for hours worked and holiday pay.

There are many local businesses who engage individuals upon a self-employed basis through putting in place complex arrangements. In the light of this latest decision they would be well advised to review their working practices.