Freelancers must not be left out in the cold in Employment Rights Bill

Responding to the government’s unveiling of the Employment Rights Bill today, Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“The unveiling of the Employment Rights Bill is welcome progress, signalling a proactive approach from Labour to improving the working lives of Britons.

“However, it is early days yet and there is work to be done to clarify how some of the measures will apply to the creative sector and its workforce.  Bectu has long called for the extension of employees’ rights to the self-employed and freelancers, but despite their essential economic contribution, this critical segment of the workforce continues to get a raw deal.

“The bill’s benefits to the employed workforce are obvious, but it is critical that freelancers are not left out in the cold. Labour has professed to be the party of the self-employed – the devil will now be in the detail of how the government intends to deliver for the freelance workforce.

“We note the promise of a full and detailed consultation on reforming worker status. It’s crucial to get this detail right to avoid unintended consequences for the UK’s freelance workforce, and we stand ready to work with Labour on making work better for our members.

“Bectu, as part of Prospect Union, has called for the government to appoint a dedicated Freelance Commissioner to work with trade unions and relevant industries to champion and advocate for the freelance workforce. Such an appointment would help drive a wholistic approach to ensuring employment reforms are fit for a modern economy.”