Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to require delivery companies to (a) employ drivers on a contractual basis and (b) prohibit the use of temporary and self-employed workers.

Employment status is not a choice: it depends on the reality of the relationship between an individual and their employer. Individuals working for delivery companies may be employees, limb (b) workers, or self-employed. As private sector businesses, delivery companies are responsible for determining the engagement models that best suit their operations, provided they comply with the law.

While the Government recognises temporary or self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility, we also recognise concerns regarding exploitation of the current employment status framework and will consult on addressing these as soon as possible.