Driving or working?

The sharing, or gig, economy is already large and fast-growing.  Statistics are limited, but a report out today by the ONS puts usage of the sharing economy for accommodation and transport at 28% and 22% among adults in Great Britain.  This is remarkable when you think that Airbnb and Uber, the two giants of the sector, began UK operations in only 2011 and 2012 respectively.  

Such platforms are currently seen as apps that facilitate and arrange work for self-employed drivers, hosts, coders and so on.  The judgement on Friday ruling that Uber is an employer (if ultimately upheld) changes that view with significant consequences for their underlying business models and profitability.  Factors such as the National Minimum Wage, the requirement to make Employers' National Insurance contributions and buy employers liability insurance among others will all need to be taken into account.