Is the Uber boom over?

A UK court this week ruled that Uber is in fact an employer - a decision which Uber is determined to appeal against, and clearly isn't happy with, given the ramifications of such a decision. At the minute, Uber is not globally recognised as having employees, but rather as having self-employed contractors - the difference of course being Uber's responsibilities and the workers' rights under Employment Law (as noted here in the FT).

The important part of this decision is that UK Employment Law allows a middle ground between the disputed terms, having ruled that the Uber drivers are 'workers' rather than employees or contractors. This seems like a fairly good model, straddling the line between the drivers' protections and freedoms, giving them some benefits but not limiting the flexibility which attracted so many to the role. The big question is will the ruling stand, and if so, will countries around the world follow the UK example? And if the ruling does stand, will this negatively impact on users?

Marmite divides opinions once again...

Now that Theresa May has given a definite date for triggering Article 50, the pound has once again dropped in value. While this doesn't necessarily affect many of us immediately (unless you're planning on going on holiday soon), the news that Tesco is currently in dispute with Unilever over proposals to raise prices is something we can all find relevant. Quite apart from the possibility of Marmite becoming hard to get hold of (I'm definitely on the love it side of the debate), there are other staples such as Ben&Jerry's and, for you students, Pot Noodles at risk.

As the FT asks, what does this mean for us as consumers? And is this a smart marketing strategy on Tesco's part? They certainly appear to be fighting for their customers (although no details have been released by either company). If it is indeed a calculated move to garner positive public opinion, then hats off to them - anyone who fights for my Marmite has my vote!