Overview

• 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.