In UK employment law, workers typically fall into one of three categories: employees, workers, or self-employed individuals.
The concept of single worker status arises from proposed changes aimed at redefining employment classifications in the UK. It has been proposed that the distinction between workers and employees would be removed by legislation, creating a single status of "worker" that covers both groups. The genuinely self-employed would retain their self-employed status. This reform seeks to provide consistent rights and protections across the workforce.
Under this proposed framework, all workers would be entitled to day-one rights, including:
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address insecure employment and provide stronger protections for individuals in non-traditional or precarious work arrangements. The government committed to launch a public consultation on this framework, but it has been delayed. Full implementation is not likely until late 2027 or beyond.