European Union: Adopted Council general approach on Directive on improving working conditions in platform work including regulation of employment status

On 12 June 2023, the Council of the European Union adopted its general approach on the Directive on improving working conditions in platform work, including regulation of employment status. Under the Council approach, the relationship between a digital labour platform and a person offering services via the platform will be considered an employment relationship if the platform "exerts control and direction over the performance of work by that person". The criteria for establishing if a platform exerts control include setting upper limits on the remuneration level, establishing rules regarding appearance or conduct, supervising work performance, limiting the ability to select working hours and discretion to accept or refuse work and limiting the ability to work for third parties. The Council will now start the negotiations with the Parliament on the final version of the Directive.