Petition calls for government action to protect rights of gig workers

The co-founder of hospitality temp employment platform, GIG, has launched a petition calling on the government to ensure all casual workers get holiday pay, sick pay, and minimum wage.

Antony Woodcock has said that ambiguity over employment status has allowed thousands of workers to be classed as self-employed and not eligible for working protections.

Woodcock said: "I am a firm believer the gig economy can be a force for good. I also believe all work should be fair and decent. Yet, currently, basic rights are being circumvented in the name of flexibility. My company, GIG*,* is a prime example of how a business can thrive within the gig economy, while also taking on the proper responsibilities of an employer."

In 2017 the government commissioned Taylor review of modern working practices said that all work must be "fair and decent".

In February the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy outlined its proposed response entitled Good Work Plan.

The proposal recommended the introduction of a legal entitlement to holiday and sick pay from the date employment commences, although it did not detail the amount that should be awarded.

The petition, e*nsure all gig economy workers get holiday pay, sick pay, and minimum wage,*Â went live on petition.parliament.uk on 19 March and requires 10,000 signatures to receive an official government response.

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