Minister ‘committed to consult’ after MP raises fair pay concerns for private hire vehicle drivers
The issue of employment rights and protections for private hire drivers has once again come into focus, with MP Shivani Raja (Conservative, Leicester East) raising a question in Parliament. Raja sought clarity from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on measures to prevent exploitation and ensure fair pay and employment rights for private hire drivers.
In response, Justin Madders, Minister of State for the Department for Business and Trade, highlighted that employment rights depend on an individual’s employment status. Private hire drivers may fall under three categories: employee, limb (b) worker, or self-employed. Each status carries differing levels of protection under current employment law.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to simplifying this framework. Plans are underway to consult on a two-part system distinguishing between workers and the genuinely self-employed. This shift aims to provide greater clarity while maintaining necessary legal protections.
For those who believe their rights are being denied, Madders pointed to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) as a resource for free and impartial advice.
This development signals ongoing discussions about employment frameworks in the evolving private hire industry, where distinctions in status continue to impact rights, pay, and conditions.
Madders MP said: “All employers must comply with their legal obligations to ensure those they engage receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled.
“Entitlement to employment rights is determined by an individual’s employment status. Private hire drivers can fall under any one of the three statuses: employee, limb (b) worker, or self-employed.
“We have committed to consult on moving towards a simpler two-part framework that differentiates between workers and the genuinely self-employed.
“If individuals believe they are not being afforded the rights they are entitled to, they can contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service for free and impartial advice.”
