Pimlico Plumbers Ruling: Lib Dems call for new settlement for gig economy workers

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed today's ruling by the Supreme Court categorising Pimlico Plumbers' employees as workers rather than self-employed, meaning that they are entitled to basic employment rights such as holiday pay. The ruling is likely to have a knock-on impact on ongoing legal battles against other prominent businesses in the gig economy such as Uber and Addison Lee.   Speaking following the ruling, Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesperson, Stephen Lloyd MP, said:   “The Supreme Court has made it clear: if a company has its grip over how you work, how you are paid and who you can work for, you are not self-employed. But workers in need of protection should not have to be dragged to the highest court in the land in order to get it.   “We need a new settlement for the gig economy, building on the Taylor Report. The Government should create a new employment status of ‘dependent contractor’ and a higher minimum wage for hours not guaranteed in their contract, forcing unscrupulous companies to think again about their employment structures.   “Universal Credit and pensions products also need overhauling so that the safety net works for the gig economy too.”