The Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices made recommendations for changes in the law to better reflect modern working practices and the growth of the gig economy. The government has now responded.
It has not proposed changes to the law on employment status at this stage. Instead it has issued four consultations asking questions about how the law might be changed. These cover employment status, how to increase transparency in the UK labour market, better protection of agency workers and enforcement of employment rights.
The government has also made proposals to give all workers’ rights from day one; provide clearer financial information to agency workers; extend the qualifying period for continuous service which may help casual workers who have breaks in their work with an employer; review redundancy legislation in relation to pregnancy and maternity leave; introduce a naming and shaming scheme for employers who do not pay employment tribunal awards and give workers the right to request a ‘more stable’ contract.
The government also plans to ask the Low Pay Commission to introduce a higher national minimum wage for workers on zero hours contracts. It doesn’t look as though there will be any significant legal changes introduced quickly.
