Campaigners are urging Andy Burnham to take action to protect approximately 4 million gig economy workers from companies that allegedly misuse self-employment practices to deny them essential rights. A joint report from the Fabian Society and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights that many workers lack access to benefits such as sick pay and protection against unfair dismissal.
The report advocates for the Fair Work Agency to prosecute firms engaging in these practices and suggests reforms to employment law to ensure gig workers receive necessary protections. The proposed changes aim to shift the burden of proof regarding employment status from workers to employers, potentially simplifying access to rights like minimum wage and holiday pay.