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UK government will finally settle the gig economy ‘worker’ debate
The UK government is making some changes to the rights and working conditions that "gig economy" workers are entitled to. Under its new 'Good Work Plan', legislators will ensure "vulnerable workers" -- defined by low wages -- have access to basic holiday and sick pay. These will be included in "a list of day-one rights" that include the right to a payslip. These measures are designed for zero-hour and agency workers, but could impact Uber and Deliveroo's flexible workforce too. For instance, all workers will have the right to "request" more stable hours, "providing more financial security for [people] on flexible contracts," according to the government.
Deliveroo fends off ‘gig economy’ criticism with courier insurance
Deliveroo is combating criticism of its employment practices with a new sickness and accident insurance policy for riders. Bicycle, scooter and motorcycle couriers can now access "industry-leading cover" — supplied by Bikmo, a cycle insurance specialist, through benefits site Perkbox — for £1.85 per week. With this, people who are unable to work because of illness or an accident can claim 75 percent of their average weekly earnings for up to 26 weeks. The average amount will be based on their gross income — before tax and national insurance — in the 12 months prior to the claim.
MPs urge the UK government to close 'gig economy' loopholes
UK employment laws should be updated so that drivers working for Uber, Deliveroo and other 'gig economy' companies are defined as "workers" rather than "self-employed" by default, a group of MPs has argued. The suggestion is part of a report, published by the House of Commons Works and Pensions Committee, which attacks technology companies for pushing the idea that self-employment is a requirement for flexible hours. "This is a fiction," the report reads. "Self-employment is genuinely flexible and rewarding for many, but people on employment contracts can and do work flexibly; flexibility is not the preserve of poorly paid, unstable contractors."
Uber hopes to silence critics with more UK driver benefits
Uber has long argued that its drivers are independent contractors, not employees. While that distinction has been argued in the courts, the company has been upping driver perks to try to keep them on side and silence critics. Its latest effort in the UK is a partnership with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE). For £2 per week, Uber drivers can sign up for IPSE benefits which include sickness and injury cover up to £2,000, jury cover up to £2,000, access to financial advice and support, and occupational accident cover up to £300.
Uber drivers in the UK entitled to minimum wage, tribunal rules
Uber drivers have won an employment tribunal case in the UK, making them entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks and the National Minimum Wage. The ride-hailing company has long argued that its chauffeurs are self-employed contractors, not employees; the tribunal disagreed, however, setting a major precedent for the company and its relationship with workers. GMB, the union for professional drivers in the UK, initiated the two "test cases" in July. It's described the decision as a "monumental victory" that will impact "over 30,000 drivers" in England and Wales.
