UK government and unions to consult on employment status amid ‘gig economy’ concerns
London — Britain is to launch a consultation into workplace rights in the face of public and political concern that some in the "gig economy" are being exploited. Ministers said millions of people will be able to seek a more stable contract, have holiday and sick pay enforced, receive a list of their rights and be given a payslip. But unions said the plans did not go far enough and accused the government of further delaying a decision on the thorny topic of whether those working for firms such as Uber and food courier Deliveroo deserve more rights. Many in the gig economy, where people tend to work for multiple firms without fixed contracts, operate on a self-employed basis, entitling them to only basic protections such as health and safety. Workers in Britain receive the minimum wage, holiday pay and rest breaks and employees are also guaranteed rights such as maternity leave and sick pay. Firms such as Uber have called for greater clarity in the law but say their average drivers a...
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