MPs have criticised gig economy contracts during a Commons Work and Pensions Committee, calling contracts from Uber, Amazon and Deliveroo “unintelligible” and have said that the contracts prevent people from challenging their employment status, and even make them liable for court costs if they do so.

The MPs also accused the businesses of confusing contractors so they don't understand their rights. They condemned Uber’s contracts, labelling it as “gibberish”.

Frank Field, chair of the work and pensions select committee said Uber, Amazon and Deliveroo used some kind of “egregious clause” which prevents people from challenging their “self-employed” status.

 "These companies parade the 'flexibility' their model offers to drivers, but it seems the only real flexibility is enjoyed by the companies themselves," Field said.

Uber has stated that it is revising its contracts to make it more understandable. Meanwhile, Deliveroo said it was removing a clause in its courier contracts which demands its riders agree not to challenge their self-employed status in court.

Amazon stated that its Flex contracts were used primarily by those who have full-time or part-time jobs and want to increase their income, and that they can choose work to suit their own schedules.