In a boost for workers’ rights, President Joe Biden’s administration has released a long-awaited new labour rule making it harder for businesses to classify gig workers as independent contractors, rather than employees.

The new final rule, first proposed 15 months ago, will provide gig sector workers with employee status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, entitling them to more benefits and legal protections than the independent, self-employed if they are “economically dependent” on a company.