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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether Matthew Taylor's independent review into modern employment practices will consider whether the recent growth in the self-employed workforce represents a genuine wave of entrepreneurship and a desire for flexible working or a tool for businesses to hold down pay and restrict workers' rights.

The wide ranging independent Review of Modern Employment Practices is considering if the current definitions of employment status need to be updated to reflect new forms of working.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has commissioned new research looking specifically at the gig economy. The research will look at the number of individuals working in the gig economy in the UK and the motivations, experiences and skills of these individuals. The research should be ready in the Summer.

The Review is also considering to what extent the growth in non-standard forms of employment, including self-employment, undermines the reach of policies like the National Living Wage, pension auto-enrolment, sick pay, and holiday pay.