Leigh Day employment law specialist Nigel Mackay, who is representing the drivers, said Uber was not complying with employment law. He claims that Uber’s controls over its drivers - including the provision of initial training, guides as to which routes to take and requirements for minimum hours - meant they were not just self-employed. ‘What we want to do is try and ensure these drivers get workers' rights, the rights that anyone who works is entitled to. Things like minimum wage, the right to paid holiday,’ he added.

Flexibility

Uber says the drivers are self-employed, not workers, and therefore they do not have to guarantee them a minimum wage. Jo Bertram, regional general manager said: ‘The fact you can work literally whenever you want, spend time with kids, you can build business on the side. That's the flexibility the majority of Uber drivers are looking for.’

First in UK

The first four claims were issued at the London Central Employment Tribunal at the end of October and are the first formal legal proceedings in the UK against the San Francisco-based company. Leigh Day will issue further claims on behalf of other Uber drivers and will ask the Employment Tribunal to hear the claims together. Sources: BBC News; Leigh Day