Millions To Benefit From Enhanced Rights In The Workplace?

The government has announced major reforms "to address the challenges of the changing world of work in the modern economy".

This follows a slew of cases on the employment status of those engaged in the gig economy as well as concerns around the rise of zero-hours contracts and low pay, which led to the Taylor report last year.

What are the rights?

The proposed key reforms are:

– workers having a list of “day-one” rights including their entitlement to sick pay and holiday;

– ensuring workers are given payslips;

– HMRC to enforce holiday and sick pay rights (in the same way it does the national minimum wage);

– a new naming scheme to shame those businesses who do not pay tribunal awards;

– ensuring new and expectant mothers know their rights; and

– a right for workers to request a more stable contract to provide more financial security for those on flexible contracts. There will also be a campaign to encourage more couples to take shared parental leave.

When will this happen?

At the time of writing, no time-frames have been given for implementing the reforms.

Are they significant?

Whilst the proposals have hit the headlines and are being presented as a major overhaul, the majority are not exactly ground breaking. Whilst they will benefit those who have clear worker or employee status, the current focus is actually on increasing awareness of existing rights and strengthening enforcement rather than creating any new protections.

The main issue troubling the gig economy – the issue of whether independent contractors are selfemployed or workers – has not been addressed. Instead, the question of worker status will be the subject of consultation.

What is a more stable contract?

Given the issue of employment status will be the subject of consultation, the announcement of a right for workers to request a more stable contract is somewhat vague! Unfortunately, we’ll just have to wait and see what that means…