Andy Burnham is facing calls to take enforcement action against gig economy companies accused of misclassifying staff as self-employed to avoid granting them legal protections. The Fabian Society and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation say around 4 million UK workers are missing out on rights such as sick pay, parental leave, redundancy pay and protection from unfair dismissal because of widespread bogus self-employment practices.
What are campaigners asking Burnham to do?
The two organisations want tougher prosecution of firms that classify workers as independent contractors even though they operate under conditions resembling standard employment, such as fixed schedules or exclusive platform work. They argue that this classification strips workers of entitlements that most employees take for granted, leaving them financially exposed during illness, job loss or family emergencies.
Millions of people are being denied basic protections simply because of how their employer chooses to label them, campaigners say.
Why does gig economy classification matter for workers?
Self-employed status under gig platforms often means workers forgo statutory sick pay, paid holiday, minimum wage guarantees and safeguards against arbitrary dismissal. The Fabian Society and Joseph Rowntree Foundation contend that this arrangement disproportionately harms low-income workers who rely on flexible or precarious jobs, deepening financial insecurity across sectors such as delivery, courier and ride-hailing services.
What happens next as Labour shapes its agenda?
The appeal comes as the prime minister continues to define priorities for his government, with employment rights emerging as a contested policy area. Campaigners are pressing for firmer regulatory enforcement rather than new legislation alone, arguing that existing rules are frequently circumvented unless authorities pursue companies that misuse self-employment status to cut costs.
