In the face of a global health crisis bogus self-employment model is screwing over the disadvantage
The threat of coronavirus is leaving gig economy workers ‘abandoned and penniless’ says GMB.
Workers in the gig economy – or on zero hours contact – who have to self-isolate due to the coronavirus are often left with no wages and little support from their employer.
One recent case saw a delivery driver contacted by a customer who considered themselves high risk.
The driver told the company who instructed her not to come back into work – meaning she would have no wages until she was given the all clear.
GMB stepped in and the company backed down - but more and more gig economy workers are suffering the same fate.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said:
“The threat of Coronavirus is a huge problem for employers and worker across the UK.
“But workers in the so-called gig economy, or on zero hours contracts, are left abandoned and penniless if they have to self-isolate.
“Once again the bogus self-employment model is screwing over the disadvantaged.
“GMB is calling on all employers - regardless of the contract– to do the right thing and pay their workers if they have to take time off due to the global health crisis.”
