Pimlico Plumbers lose appeal at High Court case

Charlie Mullins with his weird 80s barnet, going to cost him a bundle !

Prices must be a rip-off if he can by personalised numberplates for every van.

BBC :

A plumber has won a legal battle for working rights in the latest significant court ruling over freelance operations in the modern workplace.

Garry Smith wanted to reduce his working days at Pimlico Plumbers following a heart attack.
The Court of Appeal agreed with tribunal that said he was entitled to basic workers' rights although he was technically self-employed.

The decision is the latest to side with workers in a flexible workforce.
This is the highest court to consider such a case.


Charlie Mullins, boss of Pimlico Plumbers, has fought the case
The case is about the distinction between Mr Smith's status as either a self-employed contractor or a worker for the company.

He was VAT-registered, and paying tax on a self-employed basis, but worked solely for Pimlico Plumbers for six years.

After he suffered a heart attack in 2010, Mr Smith wanted to cut the five-day week, which he had been signed up to work with the firm, to three.

However, the firm refused and took away his branded van, which he had hired.


He argued that he was entitled to basic workers' rights - which would include the national minimum wage and paid holiday and the ability to bring discrimination claims.

A previous employment tribunal found that the plumbers were workers - but not employees. The Court of Appeal has agreed with that decision, dismissing Pimlico Plumbers' appeal.

Charlie Mullins, the founder of London-based Pimlico Plumbers, said that plumbers were hired on the basis that they were self-employed, provided their own materials, and did not have workers' benefits, but were paid significantly more as a result.