New guidance published by the government aims to provide businesses and workers – particularly in the gig economy – with greater clarity over employment status and the rights and employment protections people are entitled to at work, including pay, leave and working conditions.

Featuring real world examples of what an individual’s working day or contract may involve – and how that translates into their employment status – the guidance will help smaller businesses that have less capacity and legal expertise to understand the law and reduce the risk of companies being fined for unknowingly breaking the rules. At the same time, workers can see what rights they are entitled to at work and will be able to have informed discussions with their employer and take steps to claim or enforce rights where necessary.