News

The decision on the Uber case does not provide a great deal of direction on the issue relevant to business: distinguishing between employees and contractors. 

The Court of Appeal has dismissed Uber’s appeal against an Employment Court finding in a decision released on 26 August 2024.   

The decision is highly specific to the 4 drivers affected by the case, as such it is questionable whether the decision will have wider effect.   

While more time will be needed to study the detail of the decision, the outcome appears to do little to clarify the law on how to determine the status of employees and contractors, something that employers have long said is badly needed. 

The government’s election commitment to provide clarity, and recent announcements of preparation to change the law to achieve clarity, are all the more important now.   

It is to be hoped that this work will be expedited so that further recourse to the Courts is not required.    

- Paul Mackay, Manager – Employment Relations Policy, Business NZ

 
More information: Uber loses landmark appeal - court rules drivers are employees, not contractors (newstalkzb.co.nz)

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