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Four in five self-employed workers living in poverty
Maddy Steeds, Leeds Socialist Party
'Self-employed' Deliveroo workers striking against pay cuts, photo James Ivens (Click to enlarge)
Almost 80% of self-employed workers are living in poverty, according to Tax Research UK.
The bosses and their politicians told workers that being self-employed would give us more flexibility - for example, to choose when you work, so you can balance work and family life. However, the reality is far from the rosy picture painted by the government.
The promises of freedom in being a freelance worker have hidden a loss of financial security. Instead, these workers make 40% less than employees.
Profiteers like the owners of Uber and Deliveroo have used the promise of flexible hours to cut pay and increase their own profits. This system of employment reflects a regression back to 19th century work practices, where workers were only paid for each item they produced rather than the time and effort put into making it.
Workers are not taking this lying down, though. Anger and strikes have forced the Tories to launch an investigation into 'gig economy' firms. Although it is unlikely this bosses' government will do anything meaningful to prevent this exploitation.
However, workers can strike together to demand better treatment - as exemplified by the Deliveroo drivers' successful strike. Collective action is also necessary to win rights such as sick pay and holiday pay.
The Socialist Party fights for an end to zero-hour contracts - instead, we want flexible hours on workers' terms, not the bosses'. We say no to phoney 'self-employment', and yes to well-paid, secure jobs for all, union recognition, and employment rights from day
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
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