Exeter MP backs government plans to tackle 'bogus self-employment'
Exeter MP Steve Race has welcomed the Government’s plans for a new consultation to clampdown on ‘bogus self-employment’, a practice that is estimated to affect hundreds of thousands across the country
The MP for Exeter has welcomed the Government’s plans for a new consultation to clampdown on ‘bogus self-employment’ and give vulnerable workers in Exeter the rights he says they deserve.
Businesses across the country have been found to be deliberately mislabelling their staff to avoid legal obligations, such as paying them National Minimum Wage or holiday pay, despite treating them as full-time workers day-to-day, it is understood.
This practice, known as ‘bogus self-employment’, is estimated to impact up to 900,000 people, including parcel couriers to food delivery drivers, according to the Government.
Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: "I am pleased that this Labour Government is acting on concerns that I have often heard from working people and businesses in Exeter.
"Self-employed people bring so much to our city, providing vital services and boosting our local economy, and deserve access to important protections.
"Those people who are currently considered self-employed but, in reality, are under significant control from a business, should be able to rely on the same rights as other workers.
“I would encourage self-employed people in Exeter to take a few minutes to respond to the consultation, so that we can make sure the new measures are as effective as possible.
"This consultation could make a real difference for hundreds of workers in our city and ensure that every working person in Exeter has the rights and protections that they deserve.”
As part of the consultation, the Government is seeking views on new measures that will “shift the burden of proof” in Employment Tribunals to the employer, and that will ensure workers are not “labelled self-employed despite being under significant control”.
“Tackling bogus self-employment is good for workers and good for businesses,” said Kate Dearden, Minister of State for the Future of Work.
“This consultation will give workers, employers and unions the opportunity to share their views on our proposals to level the playing field for businesses and ensure that everyone is treated fairly at work.”
You can respond to the consultation online here.