An expert team is going on the road to see how the gig-economy is affecting workers’ rights.
The tour will include visits to Maidstone, Coventry and Glasgow, as experts talk to employers and employees about the UK labour market. It’s part of the Government’s research project to reveal the scale of gig working and the reasons people take it up.
On the road, alongside Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the Royal Society of Arts, will be Diane Nicol, an employment lawyer and partner at Pinsent Masons, entrepreneur, Greg Marsh, who founded onefinestay and Paul Broadbent chief executive of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority.
Matthew Taylor says: “The most important part of our process is getting out and about to talk to businesses and workers across Britain about their experiences of modern work.
“As well as making specific recommendations I hope the review will promote a national conversation and explore how we can all contribute to work that provides opportunity, fairness and dignity.”
The review will consider the implications of new forms of work on workers’ rights and responsibilities – as well as on employer freedoms and obligations.
With 15% of those working in the UK’s labour market now self-employed, according to the Department for Business, there has been a rise in the number of people doing short-term, casual work. The explosion of ‘disruptive’ businesses, such as Uber and Deliveroo is leading to a change in working practices.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is also launching a research project into the scale of the gig economy. The project will include a look at the motivations of people engaging in ‘gig’ work.
“Helping us to understand what impact modern employment practices have on workers will inform our forthcoming industrial strategy and help us ensure our labour market and wider economy works for everyone,” says Business Minister Margot James.
The gig economy is having an impact on Government finances, as its leading to a rise in self-employment, which reduces the tax bill. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that by 2020-21, this could cost the Treasury £3.5bn.