Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with Ofcom on regulating employment standards in the parcel delivery sector; and what steps he is taking to prevent gig economy working practices from adversely impacting Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligation.

Ministers have regular discussions with Ofcom as the independent regulator for the postal sector. The government does not, however, have a role in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions and Ofcom does not regulate the employment models of parcel delivery companies.

All employers must comply with their legal obligations to ensure that their workforce receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled. The government recognises self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility but also recognises concerns about exploitation of the current employment status framework which can leave vulnerable workers without core employment protections. The government will consult on addressing these.