The ‘New’ Self-Employed: An Issue for Social Policy?

Abstract

In this article, an attempt is made to advance the thinking about the ‘new’ self-employed (NSE). This is done by describing four cases which can be considered representative for the purposes of demonstrating the ambiguous attitude of social policy makers towards NSE. In the end four conclusions are drawn. The target group is too varied for statements about desirable legislation or social policy architecture, but a substantial proportion does deserve the qualification ‘precarious' and, consequently, the attention of social policy. The solution lies in categorical arrangements which address the need for protection in specific sectors. The time is ripe for this. Research has shown that the proposition that many NSE are concerned about their vulnerability as workers is untrue. They see that they are no longer protected by collective arrangements, and they know from experience that the market can resolve only a limited proportion of their problems. Their concerns can provide the foundation for a collective commitment to mandatory solidarity as long as the target group is closely related. And finally, the complexity surrounding NSE is especially challenging for the labour unions, but they could also approach the entry of NSE as an opportunity to regroup around the interests of all workers, no matter what their labour law status.