Bogus self-employment is something we are seeing in numerous sectors and it is a focus of Unite’s Strategic Case Unit, which has been set up to challenge bad employers and precarious … “In the long term a commission is needed into construction employment to ensure that workers who survive on a feast and famine existence secure proper employment protections,” she added. The scheme is only open to those with trading profits of up to £50k. For now, they should rigorously follow the social distancing advice in full. If the employee does not wish to attend work, and is not in one of the groups advised to self-isolate, the employer must listen to the concerns of the employee. Unions have traditionally viewed the rise of the gig economy and self-employment as a slow erosion of traditional workers’ rights, blamed in part for the 4.2% drop in union membership. All related child and housing elements must also be increased, alongside other adjustments within the benefit system that can act to increase income received from benefits. Current advice (see last update time/date above) is if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, do not leave your home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. An employee who has 26 weeks’ continuous service has a statutory right to request flexible working. Unite’s guidance on lay offs that would otherwise apply, on the Coronavirus employment rights webpage, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised, current government guidance for the freight transport industry, Brexit blamed for Bolton pharma company closure, says Unite, Unite statement on the slump in UK car sales and need for an industrial strategy for the sector, Hospitality workers in the eye of the Covid-19 storm need more support, urges Unite, Car firms merger should pave the way for new models in the UK, says Unite, Strikes suspended in DHL Liverpool Wagon Wheel dispute for talks, but local management undermining negotiations warns Unite, Unite calls for schools to be closed and staff properly protected. In addition, in some cases the anxiety caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 may itself render the employee unfit to work and entitled to sick pay. “Only strong unions can do this.”. The latest government guidance regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can be accessed on the Coronavirus employment rights webpage. It is also important to be aware that any change to the contract is permanent unless the employer agrees it is for a temporary period. However, in many cases, if an employee is unable to attend their place of work, they will be unable to work, e.g. Otherwise, Unite has warned, people will not be financially able to follow vital government advice to stem a pandemic that is claiming lives at an exponential rate. Employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can be paid under the scheme. We’re especially interested if you have any positive news, especially if you’ve been helping or have been helped by others. Unite the union, Londres. Unite will take any employer to task that makes redundancies or does not re-hire members that have been dismissed due to coronavirus now that funding for wages is available. The advice on who should self-isolate is something that has changed several times as the situation evolves. We are determined to hold the government to its promise to `do whatever it takes'. In such situations, the employer will need to consider the employee’s concerns very carefully before deciding how to respond. And without such levels of support for all workers, an already fragile economy not fully recovered from the previous financial crash — and one that has taken a severe hit in recent weeks — will continue to deteriorate into a full-blown crisis. Specifically, there has been an unexpected disruption to the arrangements to care for the dependant, an incident at school, or where the dependant is ill. Unite is calling on all employers to maintain working parents’ normal pay during the Coronavirus outbreak. However, there is no obligation on an employer to agree. Note: there are some clinical conditions which put people at even higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. On Friday, Sunak said he would raise Universal Credit payments to the rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), but Unite has noted that – at just £94.25 a week – this is still far too low for families to make ends meet. From our sectors and jobs, our hours and pay, to the support we need. Ultimately employees are entitled to remove themselves from the workplace if there is a real risk of serious and imminent danger, which they could not be expected to avert. Howard Beckett – assistant general secretary, political & legal affairs, Updates regarding Coronavirus employment rights ⬇, UK public health advice regarding COVID-19 is provided by the four devolved health authorities:-, In Northern Ireland, the Public Health Authority. Make sure you know your coronavirus work rights. “In the short term the million plus workers paid via the Construction Industry  Scheme (CIS) and the 300,000 plus workers paid through umbrella companies must be brought into the scope of the government’s wage support scheme and Unite will be lobbying government to ensure that occurs. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. At Unite Life, we recommend a menu-like plan of all three types of life insurance, but if you need to make the decision to prioritise one form of insurance over another as a self-employed person, … However, the deadline has been extended for anyone who did not submit their tax return by the due date of 31 January 2020. I found your article whilst searching to see if a union Their earnings must be protected, too. The latest updates regarding Coronavirus work rights ⬇. Unite will challenge any employer that does not adhere to COVID-19 health guidance and fails to follow proper guidelines related to coronavirus workplace rights. About a million construction workers — half of the entire industry — are paid through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), which means they are generally considered self-employed. contributory Employment and Support Allowance will be payable, at a rate of £73.10 a week if you are over 25, for eligible people affected by COVID-19 or self-isolating in line with advice from Day 1 of sickness, rather than Day 8. Home working should be paid in full. Make sure you know about your coronavirus workplace rights. This can be used by employees where their employers require evidence. Regardless of employment status, Unite has urged the government to act now to protect all self-employed workers. While the proportion of the self-employed in the EU28 Member States is stable, its composition has shifted. On Friday (March 20) chancellor Rishi Sunak announced an unprecedented financial support package where the government has agreed to pay 80 per cent of employees’ wages, up to £2500 a month, if they are forced to stop working because of the epidemic as part of an “employee retention scheme”. Welcome to Unite's official Facebook page. They need help too – and it cannot be at the pitifully low levels offered by the benefit system. Daily government, Check the official government issued guidance on support for workers, public services and businesses related to, Below is a list of frequently asked questions tailored by Unite's legal department to quickly access a broad range of information and resources on Coronavirus-related issues, including support measures provided by the union and advice on employment rights. Where possible and practical home care for school aged children should be balanced with home working. Unite the Union, Ireland Region A Community of Working People Skip to content Home Northern Ireland Benefits Reform Campaign for Decent Pay Living Wage Manufacturing Public Services Unite … However, since statutory sick pay was previously payable only in respect of the period of “incapacity for work”, it is good practice for employers to pay contractual sick pay to those advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus. Daily government updates for the public can be accessed here and Covid-19: Government guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) here. Unite is leading pressure on government to keep businesses resilient and to pressurise government to provide direct support to the workforce, such as has been provided in other nations. While Unite welcomed the move, the union highlighted the many millions of workers – about 15 per cent of the total workforce — who, because they are self-employed, sole traders, or otherwise not in traditional or secure employment, will be left out by these measures. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 43 K J’aime. unitetheunion.org/news-events/ne…, "It is paramount that bus drivers, who have to self-isolate because of Covid, should not lose out when it comes to wages. Since COVID-19 reached the UK, there have been reports of targeting of people of Chinese origin. The scheme will be open for at least 3 months. As the UK Government moves to encourage those who cannot work from home in England to return to the workplace and more employers look to re-open or increase staffing levels in workplaces, Unite’s advice on your legal right to a safe place of work can be accessed here. unitelive.org/do-the-right-t…, #WorkersCantWait twitter.com/LenMcCluskey/s…, Another good reason for working people to #JoinAUnion You won't be alone in seeking furlough – we will pursue it for you. Make sure you know your Coronavirus workplace rights. An employer can refuse a request on a number of statutory business grounds. Help protect safety, pay and jobs for all: The Unite Equalities COVID-19 checklists & more. New on #UNITElive Until the scheme goes live the only option for self-employed prevented from working due to Coronavirus is to claim Universal credit and any other qualifying benefits. If you are employed but have a 'side job' which is self-employed, you will not be eligible for a self-employed grant. shannonlinton 2020-09-23T10:38:03-04:00 September 23rd, 2020 | Categories: … Your employment rights continue whilst you are laid off. The union has also called for an urgent increase in benefit levels, both for Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit standard allowances, in conjunction with an increase in SSP. The … Income will be calculated by taking the average of income over the last three years, based on the individual’s self-assessment tax returns (for the 16/17, 17/18 and 18/19 tax years) or, if trading for less than 3 years, based on the tax returns you have submitted. PLEASE NOTE: Government, public health and other official advice and guidance on COVID-19 is changing on a daily basis. Reasonable steps, typically including having equalities' policies in place, appropriate training given on those policies and ensuring that inappropriate behaviour is tackled. We have called for the government to address the economic emergency that has followed from this health emergency and reiterated that the government must act to protect health and avert hardship, which led to the job retention and the self-employed income protection schemes. It is not hard to imagine a situation where employees say they are unwilling to attend work because one or more work colleagues are not following hygiene rules and they fear they are being placed at increased risk. Since 17 March 2020, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all non-essential international travel. For professionally regulated persons - for example, solicitors and barristers, doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals, accountants and those working in the financial services sector - involvement in such discrimination or harassment or failure to deal with these issues appropriately may have implications for their professional registration or fitness and propriety, as applicable. Self Employed Union - working to secure a better future for freelance, self employed and contract workers in the UK. Latest health & safety guidance for BAEM workers. Drivers are caught in a catch-22 situation where it makes no sense to continue working but they cannot stop as they can’t claim benefits due to their self-employed status. The scheme covers employees who have been made redundant since 28 February 2020, if they are rehired by their employer. You should contact your Unite rep or officer for advice if this affects you. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. This must include ending the two-child limit and the five week wait for Universal Credit payments. While you may assume that nothing will happen to you, no … There are thought to be more than a million self-employed workers in the sector, and Unite … The FCO advice against non-essential travel does not apply to this industry. Unite is providing and collating the latest information regarding Coronavirus work rights, plus lonks to government updates on UK advice for Coronavirus ⬇. Unite Guidance: The COVID-19 Crisis and European Works Councils– a vital role to play. The helpline is fully staffed between 08:00 until 19:00 Monday to Friday with an overflow service at other hours. anyone instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds): chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis, chronic heart disease, such as heart failure, chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy, problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed, a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy, being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above). On 4 April the government guidance on the Job Retention Scheme was updated to confirm that employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19), including those that need to look after children, can be furloughed – see previous question. When you join Unite the union… If there are genuine concerns, the employer must try to resolve them to protect the health and safety of their staff. As a country, we can ill-afford to lose such pharma capacity if the UK economy is to prosper in the future" – Andrew Johnson @Unite_NorthWest Following pressure from Unite, on 26 March the chancellor announced the Self-employed Income Support Scheme, which will provide the financial support to the self-employed members whose income is up to £50,000. Those who are not eligible for SSP, for example the self-employed or people earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £118 per week, can now make a claim for Universal Credit or Contributory Employment and Support Allowance: for the duration of the outbreak, the requirements of the Universal Credit Minimum Income Floor have been temporarily relaxed for those who have COVID-19 or are self-isolating according to government advice, ensuring self-employed claimants will receive support, people are to claim Universal Credit and access advance payments upfront without the current requirement to attend a jobcentre if they are advised to self-isolate. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey agreed. If your pay varies, the government funding is an average of your pay during the last 2019/20 tax year or your pay for the same month last year (whichever is higher) This includes overtime, shift pay and non-discretionary commission payments. I’ve been self employed for over 30 years now and have enjoyed it. Unite joint general secretary, Tony … On 20 March the government announced it would be introducing the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which will provide employers with financial support to continue paying workers laid off (or “furloughed” as they are referring to lay off) because of the Coronavirus outbreak: The scheme will pay up to 80% of workers’ wages (capped at £2,500 gross per month) from 1 March 2020. These are our … In these circumstances, employees are able to take that time off to help their dependants, as identified in s. 57A Employment Rights Act 1996. Unite wants to take a closer look at how employers have responded to the coronavirus and what steps they have taken to follow the scientific, government and union advice on the protection of workers, and how this has affected their workers’ health. Workers of the Self-employed Unite May 3rd, 2016, Blog Self-employment in the UK is increasing rapidly but not necessarily, by choice. Many workers such as couriers, hairdressers and … The employer must perform a risk assessment to assess your likely exposure to COVID-19 and any mitigating control measures that can be enacted, then implement these as soon as possible to provide a safe working environment. This means there is no reason employers need to lay off anyone without pay or make any redundancies. Key points of the scheme released so far are: It will pay the self-employed that have lost profits due to COVID-19 a taxable grant worth 80% of average monthly income up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. Whilst previous advice on self-isolation applied only to those travelling back from an area where COVID-19 was known to be prevalent or present with symptoms or in close contact with someone with COVID-19, this has changed. More information on the Unite volunteer service. If there are concerns about coronavirus and workplace rights, members should raise this with their Unite health and safety rep and/or line manager immediately. At present, self-employed people who must stop work because of the coronavirus pandemic – whether because they fall ill or must follow government guidelines on self-isolation – have only recourse to the benefits system. “With pay protection now secured for employees we move onto fair pay protection for all — those sick, isolating or caring for others and the self-employed, alongside the reinstatement of those already on forced lay-off,” he said. This advice currently applies for an indefinite period. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the self-employed and freelancers need someone in their corner to make sure they aren't left behind. The announcement came after the GMB yesterday won a landmark employment tribunal which ruled Uber drivers were workers rather than self-employed… If you live alone, you should stay at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started. huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/coronavi…, "This is grim news for the Bolton economy, and very sad for our members and their families. Employees are required to follow reasonable management instructions related to coronavirus workplace rights. Unite has set up a specialist legal team to advise and represent members who have suffered injury as a result of Covid-19. A Freedom of … If Unite members need advice on a COVID-19 related employment law query that is not covered by the information above and your workplace rep is not available, you can call Unite’s dedicated COVID-19 Legal Advice Line on 0333 202 6557. Unite officers and reps are standing up for you and holding employers to account. Site designed and built by. Unite Opening Statement to Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection on Bogus Self-Employment It is by definition difficult to quantify the number of people who are falsely self-employed agency, umbrella company, apprenticeship and fixed term contracts. Unite will challenge any employer that does not adhere to COVID-19 health guidance and fails to follow proper guidelines related to coronavirus workplace rights. No racial group should be singled out for less favourable treatment. Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus can be paid under the scheme – this includes employees who need to look after children. Flexible working may not be possible for a large number of workers, particularly frontline workers. See Unite’s guidance on lay offs that would otherwise apply. Stormont must act to defend zero hours and self-employed workers who face immediate threat of joblessness Posted on March 20, 2020 by Unite the union NI Central government must go … Please also see all the following Unite coronavirus work and employment rights' guides: Check the official government issued guidance on support for workers, public services and businesses related to Coronavirus Employment Rights, while the government's critical workers list is here (scroll down to see the full list of Coronavirus response critical sectors and essential workers). If satisfied that the employee can reasonably be required to work in the country/area in question, steps should still be taken to reduce the employee’s risk of contracting the disease. The real cost of living has to be recognised by government in any measures it brings forward – and it has to bring forward these measures soon.”, If you’ve been affected by the virus and want to tell us about it then let us know. Below is a list of frequently asked questions tailored by Unite's legal department to quickly access a broad range of information and resources on Coronavirus-related issues, including support measures provided by the union and advice on employment rights. The Unite union has called on the government to extend its coronavirus wage support scheme, announced on Friday, to protect self-employed construction workers. The scheme includes all workers that are paid by PAYE and were on the payroll on 28 February 2020, including those on zero hour, casual, part-time, agency, umbrella company, apprenticeship and fixed term contracts. On 9 April the government confirmed that employees who are self-isolating or on sick leave can be placed on ‘furlough’ and paid in accordance with the new job retention scheme, although businesses cannot claim funding for SSP and furlough pay for the same period. If you fall into any of these above at risk groups, you should inform your employer of your health status immediately. "Those who are union members have a better chance of a safer work environment, but what's typical of the workforce highlighted is they are predominantly self-employed and therefore vulnerable." International freight transport (by air, ship, road and rail, including roll-on/roll-off transports) is deemed an essential activity in the context of travel advice. Check the latest information regarding Coronavirus work rights, as well as government updates on UK advice for Coronavirus. The scheme covers employees that transferred under TUPE or a change of business ownership after 28 February 2020, provided the TUPE or PAYE business succession rules apply to the change. Detailed advice on isolation is provided by all UK health authorities’ dedicated COVID-19 hubs (links above) and read the latest PHE version of guidance on coronavirus and isolation. This may require you to work from home, stagger working time – arrival and departure - where possible, or change job roles whilst the COVID-19 virus is at large in the population. There are separate rules that would normally apply when employees are laid off, including a statutory guaranteed payment for one week and if laid off for four weeks or more without pay, the right to claim redundancy pay. “Most construction workers are the primary breadwinners in their family and swift action is needed to ensure that they are protected throughout the coronavirus crisis,” she pointed out. (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can, government guidance on maintaining educational provision for schools, childcare providers, colleges and local authorities in England including the key critical workers list. if you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. Unite is calling on all employers to pay wages in full. HMRC will contact the eligible self-employed directly inviting them to fill out an online form and then pay the grant straight into their bank account. Employees who are sick should not feel pressured to come to work because of financial considerations" – Unite's Bobby Morton ⬇️ At Unite Life, we highly recommend getting income protection insurance if you are self-employed and don’t have any sick pay schemes in place. On 16 March 2020 the government provided the following detailed list of the groups they advise to be at risk, which includes those who are: aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions). Unite the Union is the Labour Party’s largest financial backer which is the basis for the LES to run a story on Thursday that ‘Labour’s biggest union donor used zero hour contracts’. The scheme covers employees that started unpaid leave after 28 February 2020. A Unite volunteer will then be assigned to assist anyone who needs help with picking up shopping, posting mail, collecting urgent supplies, such as prescriptions, or simply talking to those who are experiencing loneliness. his includes overtime, shift pay and non-discretionary commission payments. Those in this extremely vulnerable risk category, should have been contacted from 23 March 2020 by the NHS with advice on the more stringent shielding measures they should take for 12 weeks from receipt of their letter in order to keep themselves and others safe. Unite trade union works hard to ensure all workers have the right representation in their workplace, as well as making your voice heard in Government debate and decision-making. Unite coronavirus COVID-19 advice Guide for Members, Reps and Officers Information on your legal rights at work Latest health, benefits and other support measures Unite launches Covid-19 register Unite … Under many employment contracts, employees have no right to sick pay unless they are incapable of working. In response to a Treasury Committee call for evidence, Unite has outlined a number of key demands, among them an urgent rise in the level of SSP to at least a real living wage. COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill; it is likely that people living within a household will infect each other or be infected already. (Selecting a download below will open up a PDF in a new browser tab), updates for the public can be accessed here, Covid-19: Government guidance on infection prevention and control (IPC) here, Covid-19: Unite guide to workplace equality impact assessments, Reps guide & checklist: Extremely vulnerable groups and return to work, Advice on your legal right to a safe place of work, Workplace infection controls & facilities, TUC's call to government on Protecting Workers’ Safety in the Coronavirus pandemic, the government's critical workers list is here. Contact us at unitelive@unitetheunion.org, You can also visit our website page for more advice and our membership helpline for vulnerable members, Stay tuned to unitelive.org for the news as it happens, Covid-19 latest: Unite demands 5m self-employed and insecure workers get urgent support, © Unite the union, all rights reserved. Rearsurance: Martin Lewis has just posted this video.Hold tight. coughing into the crook of an arm) and has informed employees of the same but the employee does not comply, the employer will be entitled to take disciplinary action. This includes advice and guidance on the new Coronavirus job retention scheme and the self-employed scheme. While on the one … metro.co.uk/2021/01/11/bus…, This update was accurate at the time of writing, but the first port of call for public health guidance on Coronavirus should be Public Health England, Public Health Agency (NI), NHS Scotland and/or Public Health Wales. Unite will challenge any Bad Bosses that make redundancies or do not rehire members they have already dismissed since the outbreak. This update was accurate at the time of writing, but the first port of call for public health guidance on Coronavirus should be Public Health England, Public Health Agency (NI), NHS Scotland and/or Public Health Wales. SSP is payable from day one instead of day four for affected individuals. A further 300,000 workers are employed via shady umbrella companies, which forces workers to pay both employers’ and their own national insurance contributions, and other fees deducted by the company for processing their pay. Coronavirus workplace rights and government advice ⬇. Construction bogus self-employment rises again Research by Unite, the UK’s construction union, has revealed a fresh rise in bogus self-employment in the construction industry. The minimum income floor for Universal Credit has been removed. The government and Acas advise that businesses encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible. The detailed Unite guidance and vital information for construction workers plus posters for the workplace or site noticeboards. The TUC's call on government to provide further direction to employers on what they need to do to ensure safe working, and enforcement action against those that refuse. 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