UK Supreme Court Rules Deliveroo Riders Not Employees

Landmark decision denies riders the right to collective bargaining, setting a precedent for the gig economy.

Deliveroo riders cannot be classed as employees, the Supreme Court has ruled, marking a crucial decision in a long-running gig economy row.
The decision means riders cannot be represented by a trade union to negotiate pay and working conditions.
Deliveroo riders can work for competitors, do not have to work specific hours, can appoint a substitute to carry out a delivery or even choose not to make any deliveries at all.
The ruling is likely to have significant consequences for workers across the gig economy after years of campaigning for rights such as holiday pay and minimum wage.
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWUGB), which represents thousands of gig economy workers, said it was disappointed by the decision and was considering its options under international law.