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Inquiry into 'Gig economy'

The Commons Select Committee on Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has launched an inquiry into the future world of work, focusing on the rapidly changing nature of work, and the status and rights of agency workers, the self-employed, and those working in the 'gig economy'.

The Inquiry also looks at issues such as low-pay and poor working conditions for people working in these non-traditional employee roles. The full terms of reference are:-

Is the term 'worker' defined sufficiently clearly in law at present? If not, how should it be defined?

For those casual and agency workers working in the 'gig economy', is the balance of benefits between worker and employer appropriate?

What specific provision should there be for the protection and support of agency workers and those who are not employees? Who should be responsible for such provision – the Government, the beneficiary of the work, a mutual, the individual themselves?

What differences should there be between levels of Government support for the self-employed and for employees, for example over statutory sick pay, holiday pay, employee pensions, maternity pay?

Is there evidence that businesses are treating agency workers unfairly, compared with employees?

Should there be steps taken to constrain the use by businesses of agency workers?

What are the issues surrounding terms and conditions of employees, including the use of zero-hour contracts, definitions of flexible contracts, the role of the Low Pay Commission, and minimum wage enforcement?

What is the role of trade unions in representing the self-employed and those not working in traditional employee roles?

Comment

"The government are looking for written representations from the business community. If you would like to make comment on any of the above, you have until 19 December to do so, " advises Head of Employment Paul Burton.

Our Employment Team, based in Christchurch, also cover Bournemouth, Poole and the New Forest. For a free initial chat, please call 01202 499255 and Paul or a member of the team will be happy to discuss any questions that you may have..

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