In a vote on 16 September 2021, MEPs demand people working for digital labour platforms, such as food delivery services, should have the same rights as traditional employees.. This includes social security contributions, responsibility for health and safety and the right to engage in collective bargaining. It proposes a reversal of the burden of proof, which would mean employers must prove there is no employment relationship. However, MEPs have cautioned that those who are genuinely self-employed should be entitled to remain in that position. The resolution was adopted by 524 votes in favour, 39 against and 124 abstentions.
The European Parliament has also expressed concern about poor working conditions as platform workers are often subject to increased health and safety risks, such as road accidents. MEPs have argued that workers should be equipped with adequate personal protective equipment and guaranteed accident insurance, if relevant. Algorithmic functions, such as ratings, should also be explained in an understandable way and workers should be able to challenge decisions made by algorithms.
This case urges caution for those wishing to engage self employed contractors, as if there are legal proceedings, unless companies can prove absence of employment relationship, workers should not be considered self-employed. This could have implications for not only employment cases, but also tax. 