Last year we saw a lot of gig economy tribunal cases hitting the headlines and we’re expecting to see a lot more news about casual workers and employment status throughout the rest of 2017. In an ongoing battle between the gig economy and the law, it’s the workers who are winning.
What happens next?
A lot of reviews and committees are focusing their attention on the gig economy in an attempt to ensure that employment law is up-to-date with modern-working practices. The definition of a worker has been hazy and in order to determine the working status of an individual, differentiations need to be made clearer. In the gig economy it can be very difficult to discern where any given working arrangement fits with the law.
As the UK leaves the EU, the topic of workers’ rights is likely to stay in conversation, particularly as it was one of the first matters discussed regarding the post-Brexit legal landscape. It’s a waiting game for legislation at the moment, but in the meantime employers need to ensure they’re looking for the right things.
What do employers need to do?
As the issues of working rights are likely to hit the headlines again this year, the publicity may lead to an increased number of claims. To be prepared, employers need to ensure that their service relationships have been defined properly from the very beginning. Every individual should be assessed and the employer needs to think about their status. Are they definitely self-employed? If so, organise the arrangements and documents to support it. If they are a worker, arrangements must be in place to cater for their paid holidays, working time law protections, the national minimum wage, amongst others.
In a nutshell…
The gig economy and workers’ rights are going to continue to be hot topics in 2017. It’s important that employers stay ahead of the game and set their definitions, and arrangements, in stone before further legislation comes into place later in the year.
For more information, visit http://79.170.40.162/enlightenhr.com or contact Alison Benney:
alison@enlightenhr.com
Tel: 01803 469466
Mobile: 07967221595
