Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of implementing a mandatory minimum cancellation period for the employment of freelance staff.

Although freelancers are generally understood to be self-employed, a freelancer could be either self-employed, a limb (b) worker or an employee depending on the reality of their relationship with their employer or engager.

Current legislation is clear that an individual’s entitlement to employment rights is based on whether they are a limb (b) worker or employee. The Government recently consulted on two policy proposals to tackle issues with non-guaranteed hours contracts, such as employers cancelling shifts at the last minute. These are a right to reasonable notice of work schedules and a right to compensation for short notice shift cancellation. We are analysing consultation responses, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and will respond in due course.

Self-employed freelance workers do not have employment rights as they are in business for themselves, but their contract for services may specify a minimum cancellation period.