Unions slam ‘gig’ report

Casual workers let down by probe

UNIONS have blasted a report into the “gig economy” which it was hoped would help protect casual workers and those on zero-hours contracts.

Prime Minister Theresa May will today unveil the report into working practices which has been drawn up by former Tony Blair adviser Matthew Taylor.

It calls for a new category of workers dubbed “dependent contractors” and demands greater clarity “to distinguish workers from those who are legitimately selfemployed”.

It also urges the introduction of more protections so workers are not exploited by greedy firms.

Taylor will tell a launch event today: “Bad work – insecure, exploitative, controlling – is bad for health and wellbeing,

“It is something that generates cost for vulnerable individuals but also for wider society.”

However, workers’ leaders have hit out at the study for letting down casual workers.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “I worry that many gig economy employers will be breathing a sigh of relief this morning.

“From what we’ve seen, this review is not the game-changer needed to end insecurity and exploitation at work.”

GMB chief Tim Roache branded it a “disappointing missed opportunity”.

It comes after ministers confirmed they will not revisit a possible rise in national insurance contributions for the self-employed.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “It has been looked at, we’re not going back to it.”