Workers Sue UK Government over ’Discriminatory’ COVID-19 Financial Support

By Staff, Agencies

Critics accused the British government of failing to properly take into account the millions of self-employed and precarious workers whilst arranging for financial support measures for men and women who can't work due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

A joint lawsuit has been launched in the High Court against the British government by UBER drivers and the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain [IWGB], over what they describe as discrimination from the UK treasury in its implementation of COVID-19 financial assistance programs.

UK Treasury secretary Rishi Sunak announced plans to cover 80% of wages of "furloughed" staff up to £2,500 a month for furlough full-time employees, in order to prevent mass layoffs and millions of people being left without any income, let alone tens of thousands of businesses having to close up shop.

However, until he faced pressure to do so, Sunak failed to offer assistance to workers who are classified as self-employed, or are on 'zero hour' contracts.

While the situation has improved for non-full time workers the IWGB has made it clear that some of the most vulnerable members of the population are not getting the support they require.

Another issue the claimants will be arguing in court is that the statutory sick pay of £95.85 a week is so insufficient that it discriminates against woman, ethnic minority workers and those employed in the so called 'gig economy'.