A bill to amend the definition of a worker, eliminate zero-hours contracts and provide greater day-one protections is to have its second reading later this week.
The Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill was introduced to Parliament by SMP Chris Stephens under the 10 minute rule, which allows an MP to make a case for a new bill in a speech lasting up to 10 minutes.
In his speech, Stephens said that he aims to ‘bring in a Bill to define the status of workers in law; to refine the current definitions in light of recent Supreme Court judgments; and to provide greater protection from day one of a person’s employment, eliminating zero-hours contracts and providing greater protection for those in precarious work, such as in the hospitality sector.’
This is a Private Member’s Bill that aims to ignite the debate about what is fair work and how it should be rewarded.
‘My Bill would bring some clarity to the definition of “worker” by defining what rights are available and consolidating a single statutory definition of the people to whom employment rights and duties apply,’ said Stephens. ‘It would also give the House the opportunity for more debate about the issues currently being explored by Committees following the Taylor report.’
The second reading of this Bill is scheduled to be heard on 19 January.
