MP's call for an end to gig economy exploitation from companies such as Uber and deliveroo
A joint report and draft parliamentary bill has been published by the work and pensions and business, energy and industrial strategy select committees to put an end to workers exploitation within the gig economy. Their concern is companies such as Uber and Deliveroo are taking advantage of workers to gain a competitive edge against competitors.
As reported in the HuffPost uk edition ; Frank Field DWP committee chair, said:
"The two committees are today presenting the prime minister with an opportunity to fulfil the promise she made on the steps of Downing Street on her first day in office, with a draft bill that would end the mass exploitation of ordinary, hard-working people in the gig economy. The bill would put good business on a level playing field, not being undercut by bad business. It is time to close the loopholes that allow irresponsible companies to underpay workers, avoid taxes and free ride on our welfare system.” The MP's are calling for the companies to either guarantee workers a set number of hours each week. If they are unable to, then they are requesting compensation to be met for the uncertainty. Rachel Reeves, chair of the business, energy and industrial strategy committee, said:
“Uber, Deliveroo and others like to bang the drum for the benefits of flexibility for their workforce but currently all the burden of this flexibility is picked up by taxpayers and workers. This must change. We say that companies should pay higher wages when they are asking people to work extra hours or on zero-hours contracts"
She went on to add: "Recent cases demonstrate a need for greater clarity in the law to protect workers. Responsible businesses deserve a level-playing field to compete, not a system which rewards unscrupulous businesses. We need new laws but also much tougher enforcement, to weed out those businesses seeking to exploit complex labour laws, and workers, for their competitive advantage.” Uber have been battling lawyers in court over their drivers employment status, with judges ruling in favour of drivers being considered employees rather than Uber's claims of being self employed "Uber partners" Uber are likely to push through a Supreme Court appeal against this latest decision.
