An EU Green Paper entitled, ‘Modernising Labour Law to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century’ may bring about a re-drafting of UK Employment Law. The modernisation of labour law is seen to support the European Union's objective of full employment, greater labour productivity and has been designed to promote and encourage flexibility and job security.

Of particular concern to the EU is the status of the self-employed worker as they do not, at present, enjoy many employment rights. It has been suggested that minimum requirements and rights be introduced into all personal contract for services undertaken by the economically independent self-employed. It has been suggested that a single definition of worker could resolve this problem. An open public consultation will be conducted on this Green Paper and the EU's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will vote on the Green Paper in a plenary session.