The government has been urged to better define the meaning of ‘vulnerable worker’ with regards to the Agency Workers Directive by the Service Providers Association (SPA).

Stuart Davis, chairman of the  SPA, which represents companies who provide employment, payroll, tax, accountancy, administrative support and advice to the professional freelance workforce, says the government should make attempts to define what constitutes a ‘vulnerable’ worker.

“It is clear to us that the non-vulnerable workers who make up a significant proportion of the flexible workforce do not want these proposed ‘protections’, which risk increasing paperwork and overhead costs to undermine the appeal of the flexible worker proposition,” says Davis.

“SPA is pleased to work with all parties involved to establish constructive definitions that recognise the different types of existing freelance workers, facilitating a supportive legislative environment. Establishing these definitions is at the very least, a fitting recognition of the significant contribution that flexible workers make to the UK economy.”