11 July 2017
The Green Party has responded to the Prime Minister’s speech on Matthew Taylor’s Review of Modern Working Practices [1].
Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:
"Theresa May says she wants bold ideas but her response is weak. The Prime Minister looks set to under deliver on a review into the gig economy that does not go far enough to empower or protect workers.
"It is inadequate to tinker with the edges of a system that is already broken. Introducing a presumption of employment, with the burden falling on the employer to prove otherwise is a step in the right direction - but it’s disappointing to see no moves to get rid of extortionate tribunal fees which stop workers who have been exploited from accessing justice. Proposals for tax and National Insurance reform, meanwhile, lack teeth. Greater 'consistency' between employment and self-employment will only happen in the long term and provide no guarantee of equality.
"Despite talk of addressing insecurity and the impact automation, and aspirations to change the debate about what good work looks like, there is no mention in the report of a shorter working week or a Basic Income. If the Prime Minister is serious about overhauling the world of work to keep up with the demands of the 21st Century she will consider Green calls for a shorter working week, a move which would improve people’s quality of life and see productivity rise at the same time. A universal payment to all people in the form of a Basic Income would reward unpaid work, enable people to pursue fulfilling employment, increase people’s options and act as a safety net for everyone.
"In her speech the Prime Minister flagged the Brexit vote as an indication that people wanted more control. The question by which this review and the actions of the Prime Minister should be measured is ‘will the balance of power in the workplace fundamentally shift?’ The resounding answer is ‘no’."
1. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626772/good-work-taylor-review-modern-working-practices.pdf
Green Party press release
For immediate release - 11 July 2017
Green Party responds to Taylor review
The Green Party has responded to the Prime Minister’s speech on Matthew Taylor’s Review of Modern Working Practices [1].
Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:
"Theresa May says she wants bold ideas but her response is weak. The Prime Minister looks set to under deliver on a review into the gig economy that does not go far enough to empower or protect workers.
"It is inadequate to tinker with the edges of a system that is already broken. Introducing a presumption of employment, with the burden falling on the employer to prove otherwise is a step in the right direction - but it’s disappointing to see no moves to get rid of extortionate tribunal fees which stop workers who have been exploited from accessing justice. Proposals for tax and National Insurance reform, meanwhile, lack teeth. Greater 'consistency' between employment and self-employment will only happen in the long term and provide no guarantee of equality.
"Despite talk of addressing insecurity and the impact automation, and aspirations to change the debate about what good work looks like, there is no mention in the report of a shorter working week or a Basic Income. If the Prime Minister is serious about overhauling the world of work to keep up with the demands of the 21st Century she will consider Green calls for a shorter working week, a move which would improve people’s quality of life and see productivity rise at the same time. A universal payment to all people in the form of a Basic Income would reward unpaid work, enable people to pursue fulfilling employment, increase people’s options and act as a safety net for everyone.
"In her speech the Prime Minister flagged the Brexit vote as an indication that people wanted more control. The question by which this review and the actions of the Prime Minister should be measured is ‘will the balance of power in the workplace fundamentally shift?’ The resounding answer is ‘no’."
ENDS.
For more information contact: press@greenparty.org.uk / 0203 691 9401
Notes:
1.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/626772/good-work-taylor-review-modern-working-practices.pdf