employed or what?

[ChimpMaster]

Welcome to be benefit state my friend.

[Euro-commuter]

I've always reckoned HMRC should allow contractors to work as sole traders. It would benefit everyone (apart from the accountants...)

Trouble is the government probably fears an exodus of 'normal' employed workers to sole traders, with consequent loss of taxes and union rights. The average man/woman in the street would be very tempted by a 10% pay rise (say) in exchange for complete loss of employment rights, especially if they are young and change job frequently anyhow. Also, self employed people aren't natural Labour voters.

I suspect you have put your finger on something there: we would be regarded as having sold (sold out) for a small bribe from the bosses, the hard-won worker's rights that the Labour Movement has fought for. Sold out for all, not just ourselves.

Which side are you on, man?
Which side are you on?