Landmark review could wage war for gig workers' rights

The role of the contracted and gig economy workers is changing, thanks to businesses such as Uber and Deliveroo.  A government review has been called which will demand major changes in the sector, including new guarantees on minimum wage – the BBC reports.

The review by Matthew Taylor, Head of the Royal Society of Arts, will look into ensuring firms pay their workers the national living wage. The review, which is due to be published on Tuesday, may also be looking into the agriculture sector, analysing the amount ‘pickers’ are paid and how many hours they work – the publications reports.

Companies like Deliveroo claim that their workers can earn well above the minimum wage, however critics say that their business model is actually undermining the governments tax regulatory base – with one report claiming the Treasury could lose £4billion due to this type of gig economy work.

The review is thought to recommend that gig economy workers should be entitled to benefits that other employees enjoy – including sick leave and annual leave.