An employee working as a fitter for Sharps Bedrooms is taking legal action to fight for improved employment rights.
The move could set a precedent for gig economy workers involved in fitting kitchens, bathrooms, and cupboards for major chains.
David Lockwood, previously classified as a self-employed independent subcontractor by Sharps, claims that he should be recognised as a worker.
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The official employment status includes benefits such as holiday pay, statutory sick pay, and the legal minimum wage.
This case has broader implications, as it is believed that fitters engaged in similar work for other prominent brands may also face comparable employment arrangements.
Household furniture sellers gear up for one of the busiest periods with discounts to attract shoppers before the peak sales period in March.
Lockwood’s legal challenge spotlights the employment practices within the gig economy.
Lockwood worked for Sharps for roughly 30 years, installing pre-made fitted furniture.
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He alleges the company exerts control over his work, including dates, times, and fees, which could classify him as a worker rather than a subcontractor.
His grievances include financial penalties for not providing at least 72 hours’ notice for job unavailability and restrictions on working for competitors.
Leigh Day, a law firm experienced in employment cases supports the legal action.
Private equity group Epiris has owned Sharps since 2021.
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Ryan Bradshaw, a senior associate solicitor at Leigh Day, said: “David has been a loyal worker for Sharps Bedrooms Ltd for decades, yet the company treat him as a subcontractor and are in control of David’s work, setting the fees and parameters of his work.
“Furthermore, they are allegedly assuring customers that David is a member of their staff, yet putting ‘subcontractor’ on his pay statements and terms of engagement.
“We hope that by bringing this legal claim, David’s employment status can be settled and he will have access to the holiday pay and sick pay that he is owed.”
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Lockwood said: “After working for 25-plus years in full-time service to Sharps Bedrooms, I feel totally failed and disrespected by them.
“I believe that they have used unlawful loopholes to take advantage of hard and loyal workers.”
Sharps: “We disagree strongly”
Law for Change, a community interest company supporting the case, aims to fund public interest cases contributing to lasting social change.
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This legal challenge occurs in a landscape where the gig economy’s employment status remains ambiguous.
Ministers are yet to enact a comprehensive employment bill providing more protections, despite promises since 2019.
A spokesperson for Sharps said: “We disagree with the claims made by David Lockwood and Leigh Day and will be robustly challenging any legal action.”
