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Written question asked by Chris Law (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 September 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Parcels: Delivery Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to establish a minimum floor of employment rights for workers in the parcel delivery sector regardless of their contractual status; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current protections for those workers.

Answer

It is important that the parcel delivery market works for businesses, customers and workers.

Ofcom has powers to independently regulate parcel delivery companies although this does not extend to their employment models.

Employment rights are determined by employment status, which is based on the reality of the relationship between the individual and the person for whom services are provided. Employers should never seek to deny people their employment rights and avoid legal obligations by claiming someone is self-employed when in reality they are not.

The Government plans to consult on employment status in due course and we will engage with stakeholders across the postal services industry as part of this work.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26050
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Conditions of employment Delivery services Parcels
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk