The widespread review by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, which closed last week, received dozens of submissions. It was called to consider the implications of different employment statuses – including self-employed, worker, freelancer, contractor and employee – following the growth of the gig economy and the recent tribunal defeat for taxi app Uber, whose drivers challenged their self-employed status.
The review suggests the government is willing to consider creating a new employment status, alongside possible changes to the tax system that recoup lost national insurance contributions when businesses use large numbers of freelance or self-employed individuals. But the submissions demonstrate a notable schism between those on each side of the debate.
Source: Employers and experts clash over rights of gig economy workers – People Management Magazine Online