The gig economy and workers' rights

Chris Cook writes in Solicitors Journal

To read the full article in Solicitors Journal, please click here.

The term ‘gig economy’ has recently been a hot topic of debate in both the legal and political worlds. There has been a rise in cases evolving out of the flexible business models adopted by it, including claims against Uber, CitySprint, and Deliveroo. The gig economy seemingly allows businesses to hire individuals on a flexible basis which avoids entitlement to certain benefits. However, following the decisions in these high-profile cases, it seems possible that 2017 could be the year the balance of employment rights tips in favour of the worker.

A person’s employment status does not always reflect exactly what it says in the written agreement. Contractual documentation stating an individual to be self-employed will not avoid the risk of the individual claiming worker status. Courts are aware of the inequality of bargaining power faced by individuals in these circumstances and the decisions in these cases will certainly be relevant to all other gig economy employment status cases currently in the spotlight.

To read the full article, please click here.

CONTACT CHRIS

If you would like more information or advice relating to this article or an Employment law matter, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Cook on 01727 798098.

© SA LAW 2023

Every care is taken in the preparation of our articles. However, no responsibility can be accepted to any person who acts on the basis of information contained in them alone. You are recommended to obtain specific advice in respect of individual cases.

Read the latest Employment Views & Insights
They seek to understand their clients and advise accordingly to achieve the outcomes that they require for their business needs.
Chambers and Partners
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
What Next for Wilko Employees?

With their employer in administration, Wilko job holders could be facing a range of possible outcomes.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
The Great Unretirement and How Your Business Can Benefit

Why are retirees returning to work and what does it mean for you as an employer?

Read More
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
Will UK SME’s be Impacted by EU Gig Economy Law Reforms?

After it was recently announced that a new law will be created to help millions of gig workers gain the status and rights of an employee, Gita Patel was…

Read More
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
The 8 Future Employment Trends

New Flexible Working RulesOnce the new rules are implemented, employees will have the right to request flexible working from day one of their employment,…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Why Did Major Firms Get Caught Not Paying The National Minimum Wage?

After more than 200 companies were outed by the government for failing to pay staff the minimum wage, Gita Patel was asked to comment on how…

Read More
As there is so much expertise on offer from SA Law they can provide a legal expert on all areas so that it can be handled under one roof.
Legal 500
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
Video Guides on Data Protection and Direct Marketing

Find the new bitesize video guides about data protection and direct marketing launched by the Information Commissioner's Office here.

Read More
SA Law Employment Laptop
Views & Insights
New Employment Protections at Work for Parents and Unpaid Carers Given Royal Assent

Parents and carers will be provided with additional protections at work, covering leave entitlement and redundancy rules, as a result of three bills which…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
This Week’s Fine Imposed on Facebook Data

In a recently written article published in The Legal Diary, Christine Caffrey was asked to comment on the news of Facebook being fined €1.2bn…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Napping at Work

Time to embrace the power of the power nap?

Read More
They are knowledgeable, with a commercial mindset, but also down to earth and friendly so it is easy to be very honest with them.
Chambers and Partners