Roger Partridge: Parliament takes the wheel on contractor rules

The gig economy is driving a revolution in work, but our laws sometimes seem stuck in reverse. This week, Parliament finally took the wheel.

On Sunday, Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden unveiled the Government’s plans to amend the Employment Relations Act 2000. The changes will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses, particularly those in the rapidly evolving gig – or ‘platform’ – economy.

Mike's Minute: The gig economy has never been compulsory

There is a court case going on in Wellington over Uber drivers and their so-called rights.

It's on the back of a massive case last week in Australia, which Uber lost, over the impact on the market their arrival had.

Frank Newman: Disruptive opportunities

Technology based companies are having a significant impact on the way people do business. Companies like Uber and Airbnb are among a new generation of IT based "disrupters" – operations that are so innovative that they seriously threaten the viability of an established industry.

The best example is Uber, which for those that don't know, is a taxi service. It differs from the traditional taxi companies in a number of ways. Most significantly, it is not strictly speaking a taxi company - it is more like a broker that brings together those that want a taxi with those that want to provide a taxi service - like Trademe. They create an online marketplace for buyers and sellers.