Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 15 April 202614:30

Potential merits of creating a single status of worker

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

A Westminster Hall debate on whether UK employment law should create a single unified status of worker, rather than the current three-tier system (employee, worker, and self-employed). This would simplify rights and protections across different types of work and address inconsistencies in how different workers are treated.

This debate explores a potential major reform to UK employment law that could affect millions of workers. The current fragmented system leaves many workers (especially gig economy and freelance workers) with unclear rights on minimum wage, holidays, and sick pay. A single status could provide greater protection and certainty but may face resistance from employers and business groups concerned about compliance costs.

Economy & Jobs (General)Cost of Living

MPs most likely to speak

Chris BryantLabour Party

Rhondda and Ogmore

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on economy-jobs, cost-of-living, agriculture (290 times, 40pts); Known positions: technology: supportive, economy-jobs: supportive, economy-jobs: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Dame Harriett BaldwinConservative and Unionist Party

West Worcestershire

Shadow Business and Trade — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Venue: 15 Westminster Hall debates (×0.7); Spoken on economy-jobs, cost-of-living, agriculture (468 times, 28pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: opposed, fiscal-policy: opposed, economy-jobs: questioning (21pts); Committee: treasury committee (20pts)Voting record

Mr Alistair CarmichaelLiberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland

Spoken on economy-jobs, cost-of-living, agriculture (337 times, 40pts); Known positions: agriculture: opposed, economy-jobs: questioning, agriculture: questioning (30pts); Committee: environment, food and rural affairs committee (Chair) (25pts)Voting record

Justin MaddersLabour Party

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Daniel ZeichnerLabour Party

Cambridge

Spoken on economy-jobs, cost-of-living, agriculture (241 times, 40pts); Known positions: agriculture: supportive, agriculture: neutral, economy-jobs: supportive (30pts); Committee: science, innovation and technology committee (20pts)Voting record

Potential merits of creating a single status of worker

MPs most likely to speak

Related business

Upcoming similar business

Past similar business

Upcoming on related topics

Past on related topics