The Taylor Report has today been published and calls for an end to the “cash-in-hand economy” – reportedly worth £6 billion – most of which goes untaxed.
The review looked at modern working practices, particularly the so-called ‘gig economy,’ in what some feel is a timely review in the wake of recent high-profile cases surrounding the employment rights of Deliveroo, Uber and Amazon workers.
The report recommends a new category of worker – the “dependent contractor” – which would include workers from these companies. Under this category they would be provided with extra protection and benefits owing to the companies’ “controlling and supervisory” relationship with them.
Matthew Taylor, the author of the report, said that worker’s rights are not being respected as they should be under the current framework, and that particularly those at the bottom end of the labour market are not able to access high enough quality work.
The report also called for better access to job progression and wage increases.
Mr Taylor did not think that banning zero hours contracts would be a good move, as many prefer the flexibility they bring. He did, however, say that employers need to show that their workers would receive at least the minimum wage for the hours they put in.
Some have criticised the report for missing an opportunity in not going far enough to protect workers’ rights.
There are currently some 4.5 million people in what is termed “insecure work.” Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, said that these workers should not be exploited, and that “if it looks like a job or it smells like a job then it is a job.”
Mr Taylor will present seven recommendations to the government which he hopes will better provide good quality work.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
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