The Supreme Court has granted Pimlico Plumbers the right to appeal an employment status case, in a case that could affect the gig economy.

 Earlier this year, a UK plumber won a legal battle against Pimlico for working rights. The plumber, Gary Smith,  wanted to reduce his working days at Pimlico Plumbers following a heart attack. However, Pimlico refused and took away his company van. Smith took the company to a tribunal, arguing he was entitled to basic rights as a worker, including the right to the national minimum wage and paid holiday, and the right to bring a claim for discrimination.  Pimlico argued that Smith was an independent contractor.

“The ramifications of this case will impact upon many thousands of companies in the building industry and beyond, and potentially affect the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of UK workers,” said Pimlico’s chief executive, Charlie Mullins. “I am, needless to say, incredibly grateful that the Supreme Court has agreed to look again at the case.”

The case is similar to Uber’s case last year which ruled that Uber drivers should be classified as workers. Uber has won the right to appeal and a hearing is set for next month. Meanwhile, last week, the London Central Employment Tribunal ruled that Addison Lee cycle courier Christopher Gascoigne was a worker, not an independent contractor, and was therefore entitled to rights such as the national minimum wage and holiday pay.