Skip to main content
Bogus self-employment epidemic collides with the coronavirus epidemic
MARK HARVEY of the Institute of Employment Rights argues that Britain has walked into a perfect storm due to employers forcing workers to register as self employed — with no responsibility toward them in times like the present crisis

THE coronavirus infected self-employment chickens have come back to roost – in their millions.

In 1995, I wrote a pamphlet for the Institute of Employment Rights. It was called Towards the Insecurity Society. It showed how an epidemic of self-employment had exploded in the construction industry in the United Kingdom.

I argued that the growth of self-employed and insecure, casualised employment “promotes a pervading sense of insecurity. It also undermines the viability of the tax system on which the very existence of the welfare state is based.

It creates a vicious downward spiral, diminishing the revenues necessary for a welfare state whilst at the same time creating more people likely to be dependent on it: an insecurity society.” 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Victor Alan Heath
Features / 12 May 2025
12 May 2025

Mark Harvey pays tribute to a veteran of the days when the London building trade was a hotbed of working-class struggle, a legendary trade unionist, communist and poet

Similar stories
WE WILL BE HEARD: Convenor for GMB Scotland Chris Mitchell s
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
The Employment Rights Bill is a vital opportunity to rebalance power between workers and employers. As it passes to the Lords, pressure must be brought to bear to strengthen this key legislation, argues ANDY McDONALD MP
Communication Workers Union (CWU) general secretary Dave War
Features / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
Communications Workers Union general secretary DAVE WARD says combatting a resurgent far right means uniting the working class behind a positive vision for change – with collective bargaining at its heart