In focus: Pimlico ruling uncovers murky waters of employment rights

Locum optometrists and dispensing opticians represent an increasing share of the profession thanks to the lure of flexible hours and potential earnings.

However, a landmark Supreme Court case has ruled Pimlico Plumbers should provide normal employment rights to one of its self-employed workers.

It meant self-employed plumber Gary Smith, who had worked exclusively for Pimlico Plumbers for six years, was deemed entitled to rights such as holiday and sick pay, reported the BBC. High profile Pimlico Plumbers chief executive Charlie Mullins was ‘disgusted’ with the outcome and warned of the ramifications for other companies using self-employed staff.

With employment law seemingly still catching up with the dynamics of a gig economy, there would be resistance to any such precedent being set among optical practices who use locums.