Story perspectives

Report Urges Burnham to Target Gig Firms, 4 Million Workers

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being urged to use the Fair Work Agency’s civil-proceedings powers to prosecute companies that employ gig-economy workers under self-employment arrangements, affecting 4 million workers.
The Fabian Society and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released a report urging the government to shift the burden of proof for employment status from workers to employers.
Official analysis estimates the employment-rights changes would cost businesses between £350 million and £2.9 billion.

1 of 1

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being urged to use the Fair Work Agency’s civil-proceedings powers to prosecute companies that employ gig-economy workers under self-employment arrangements, affecting 4 million workers.
The Fabian Society and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released a report urging the government to shift the burden of proof for employment status from workers to employers.
Official analysis estimates the employment-rights changes would cost businesses between £350 million and £2.9 billion.