The public debate continues on definitions of self-employment and the status of ‘gig economy’ workers.
Latest contribution is a Supreme Court judgement in favour of a plumber, Gary Smith, who claimed he was a worker and not a self-employed contractor, as claimed by his employer, Pimlico Plumbers.
As a worker Mr Smith was entitled to additional rights including holiday pay and protection from direct disability discrimination.
This was controversial. Pimlico said it was a mistake and would cause great uncertainty for many firms and contractors. The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) welcomed the judgement as progress towards an accepted definition of self-employment but said it wouldn’t automatically cover other forms of ‘gig economy’ work.
At CARBS we monitor the debate in light of our 2017 report, ‘Better Self-Employment’ which highlighted a gap in support for new freelancers in hands-on trades and the risks of bogus self-employment.
Plumber wins workers’ rights battle against Pimlico Plumbers, BBC News, 13/06/18
Government must define self-employment to avoid uncertainty which led to Pimlico Plumbers case, IPSE, 13/06/18