Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about private hire vehicles drivers and asking me to sign Early Day Motion 170 (EDM).
As a general rule, I do not sign EDMs as they have no prospect of changing the law or raising the profile of an issue with a minister and there are often other ways in which to raise the profile of a particular issue.
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly at work and rewarded for their contribution to the economy, both in terms of fair pay and fair working conditions. The Supreme Court judgment relating to Uber you mention was clear that those who qualify as workers under existing employment law are entitled to rights such as the minimum wage, and all gig economy businesses should ensure they are fulfilling their legal responsibilities.
Simultaneously, it is essential for the country that we welcome innovation and entrepreneurship. These principles allow greater consumer choice and competition, ensuring the UK is one of the best places to work and to grow a business. I would encourage private hire vehicle drivers and the respective companies they work for to ensure there are agreements in place that give employees their rights, while allowing companies to remain innovative, as stifling that innovation will be costly - not only to employers, but also to employees and ultimately consumers.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me.
Sincerely,
