In Plain English
AI-generatedThe Self-Employment (Risk Assessment Exemption) Bill would remove the requirement for a written risk assessment for self-employed people who carry out low-hazard work. It aims to reduce red tape for straightforward, low-risk activities while keeping safety duties in place for higher-risk work. The bill would need a clear definition of what counts as 'low hazard' to decide who qualifies.
Key Points
- Exempts self-employed individuals engaged in low-hazard activity from the requirement to produce a written risk assessment.
- Introduces (or uses) a definition of 'low hazard activity' to determine eligibility for the exemption.
- Applies specifically to self-employed workers and does not extend to employers with employees or those engaging in higher-hazard activities.
- May shift the burden from formal written risk assessments to other practical risk management practices for qualifying workers.
- Sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope, and is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons with subsequent steps to committee stage expected if it progresses.
Progress
The bill is at the 2nd reading in the Commons. If it moves forward, it would go to committee stage for detailed examination and further readings.
Who is affected?
Self-employed individuals engaged in low-hazard activitySole traders and freelancers operating in low-hazard sectorsMicro businesses and self-employed workers who work without employees
Generated 21 February 2026
