REC calls for clarification of freelancers’ rights

The legal status of freelance ‘gig workers’ must be clarified so that businesses and individuals can thrive, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

The REC’s latest report, Gig economy – The Uberisation of work, produced in partnership with job site, Indeed, explores the impact of digital work platforms such as Upwork, Task Rabbit and Freelancer.com, which act as marketplaces matching freelancers with a wide range of project-based work.

A third of all UK employers are predicted to use digital work platforms by 2021. The REC has called on policy makers to ensure that the gig economy is fair to self-employed workers and businesses, and to secure benefits for the UK economy.

The REC has made the several key recommendations to government, which include: ensuring that gig workers and businesses have recourse for instances of bad practice; clarification of the legal and tax status of gig workers and ensure they get the same protections as other self-employed workers; for services such as the Low Pay Commission to determine fair pay for gig workers; and ensuring that the same rules governing the recruitment industry apply to digital work platforms, so that businesses can compete on a level playing field.

REC Chief Executive, Kevin Green, said: “The gig economy is predicted to add £45 billion to the UK economy and create work for 766,000 people. Gig working is heading for the mainstream. This is good news for employers who will welcome tools which help them access the global talent market. The UK is close to full employment and businesses across the economy need to react to skills shortages. Current uncertainty around how the UK’s relationship with the EU will affect the jobs market is another driver for innovation.

“Harnessing new technology which facilities gig working can provide real solutions to embedded labour market problems, but policymakers need to get to grips with these new trends so that the UK can make the most of opportunities. We must ensure that freelancers, interims and contractors who find work this way are protected. For the recruitment industry we want a level playing field on which to compete.”

Bill Richards, UK Managing Director of Indeed, added: “The gig economy is disrupting traditional notions of employment. Just 13% of British people think they will be working in traditional 9 to 5 jobs by 2025. Online job search and the rise of digital work platforms is creating a wealth of opportunities for the temporary market, with flexible working patterns a driving force behind the gig economy.

“At Indeed, our mission is to help people get jobs. The insights raised in this report will encourage continued engagement between employers, recruiters, candidates and policymakers to protect and augment the future of work in the UK.”