This week Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve writes exclusively to BFP readers:

Ways of working have become more flexible, yet people should still be able to establish what their rights are. They should be able to receive the benefits and protections to which they are entitled.

There are more people in work now than ever before and the jobs market is buoyant. However, the Prime Minister has pointed out that some of these jobs have been described as being within the “Gig Economy”.

That means that workers are treated as freelancers, engaged to carry out work on a task-by-task basis. While some workers welcome this flexibility, they may not enjoy the same rights as someone who is employed on a full-time contract.

There can also be confusion about how much pay workers will receive – especially if deductions are made from the wage and are not provided on a payslip.

Earlier this month, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy responded to a major review of working practices which took place last year – the Taylor Report – designed to examine the challenges of these new ways of working and bring about more clarity.

As a result, the Business Secretary announced on February 7 new measures to bring about protection for workers.

Millions of workers are to get new rights from day one, so that sick pay and holiday pay will be enforced for vulnerable workers for the first time.

There will be a new right to a payslip for all workers, which includes casual and zero-hour workers. All workers – not just those on zero hours contracts or who are working for an agency – will be able to ask for a more stable contract.

There are consultations coming up about the enforcement of employment rights, about agency workers and about employment status.

It should be easier for workers and employers alike to understand whether someone is an employee, a worker or is classed as self-employed.

With the changing way in which people are working, it is right to have a close look at the structures which are there to support and protect people in work.