A Liberal Democrats Government would increase the minimum wage by
20 per cent for zero-hour contract employees and introduce a raft
of policies to create a working environment that protects
employees.
The new, higher minimum wage for those on zero-hours contracts
will seek to compensate workers for the uncertainty of
fluctuating incomes.
As part of their plan for the future of work, the Liberal
Democrats will also promise to establish a new ‘dependent
contractor’ employment status for workers tied to one employer,
which enshrines rights such as minimum earnings, sick pay and
holiday entitlement.
The party will also give workers the right to request a
fixed-hours contract after 12 months, which could not be
unreasonably refused.
, Liberal Democrat Shadow
Business Secretary, said:
“The Tories are gambling with our economic future which would
make workers in the gig economy vulnerable to the consequences of
a damaging and destructive Brexit.
"The Liberal Democrats, as the natural party of business, will
improve pay and enshrine rights and protections for gig workers.
"The Liberal Democrats will create a brighter future for those
who do so much to support how we live our lives today, while
making sure innovative business models can flourish in the modern
economy."
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
The Liberal Democrats will also review tax and national insurance
status of employees, dependent contractors and freelancers, and
review pensions rules to make sure those in the gig economy don’t
lose out compared with workers in other sectors and other
employment statuses. They have also pledged to strengthen the
ability of unions to represent workers effectively, including a
right of access to workplaces.
