Andy Burnham Faces Calls to Crack Down on Gig-Economy “Bogus” Self-Employment

A joint report from the Fabian Society and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation urges the UK government to use the Fair Work Agency’s civil-proceedings powers to prosecute gig-economy firms that employ people under “bogus” self-employment arrangements. The report argues that up to 4 million workers—including hairdressers, personal trainers, delivery couriers and drivers—are currently placed in a legal gap that denies them statutory rights such as parental leave, redundancy pay and protection from unfair dismissal. It recommends shifting the burden of proof for employment status from the worker to the employer, thereby reducing the need for costly legal battles.

The Guardian

Britain uniquely classifies work as employee, worker (intermediate), or self-employed, each conferring different levels of rights and obligations. Labour’s pre-election platform promised a single “worker” status for all but genuinely self-employed individuals, but the pledge was dropped amid Conservative criticism and has not been implemented since the party took power.

The Guardian

In his first week in office, Mayor Andy Burnham told business leaders he is determined to advance the planned overhaul of employment rights.

The Guardian

• “Our plan to make work pay will boost secure employment, improve job security and deliver stronger, higher living standards. The Fair Work Agency is already helping workers get the rights they are entitled to. We’ve committed to consult on employment status and will consider how the Fair Work Agency can use its civil proceedings power alongside that.” — government spokesperson

The Guardian