Gig economy
The “gig economy” refers to a trend away from traditional employment models towards the use of freelance contractors to fulfil short-term projects or “gigs”. It is becoming increasingly prevalent with the advent of technologies that allow freelancers to bid for or otherwise engage clients on a piecemeal basis. Uber, Airbnb and Upwork are all examples of disruptive technologies that are putting clients in touch with service providers in real-time online marketplaces. These pages cover the “Uberisation” of the economy and the employment status of so-called “gig workers”.
Uber wins London safety case as employment status verdict nears
Uber has won the right to continue operating in London because of its safety improvements.
Foster carers are council employees, finds EAT
Two foster carers have successfully argued that they should have full employment rights in a case that a union says...
Uber and Lyft granted reprieve in California employment row
Gig economy firms continue to fight legislation forcing them to treat their drivers as employees.
Just Eat to stop using gig workers
Food delivery company Just Eat plans to stop using gig economy workers across Europe in favour of employees who get...
CitySprint loses third worker status case
The IWGB is calling on government to better enforce employment status laws after the union took CitySprint to tribunal three...
Supreme Court to make final Uber ruling
Four years in the making – final decision on the employment status of Uber drivers will have huge ramifications for the gig economy.
Hairdresser was an employee and not self-employed, finds tribunal
'Landmark case' could have major ramification across hairdressing, beauty and other sectors where self employed contracts are used.
UK records biggest fall in working hours since 1971
Working hours, says the ONS, is a more telling measure of the economic picture than payroll numbers.
Matthew Taylor: Covid-19 increases temptation of non-compliance
The coronavirus pandemic will make more people in urgent need of work and more employers desperate to stay in business,...
Delivery firm DPD and B&Q owner to hire thousands of new staff
Demand at DIY stores and for online shopping drives surge in demand for staff but doubts persist over the sustainability of the trends.
CIPD Festival of Work: Not all gig economy work is bad
Drawing narrow comparisons between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types of work does nothing to help precarious workers, according to a panel...
Uber drivers in court over ministers’ failure to help gig workers
The High Court today hears a case brought by drivers and the IWGB over Treasury's failure to protect precarious workers during the Covid-19 crisis.
Second support grant available for self-employed workers
The government will offer self-employed workers a second and final grant in August, it has been confirmed.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak...
From ‘forgotten’ to ‘key’ workers: protecting the precariously employed
While the Covid-19 crisis is a worrying and uncertain time for all of us, it brings into sharp focus some...
TUC calls for ‘National Recovery Council’ to protect jobs and pay
The TUC has called for the government to form a National Recovery Council to help the economy heal from the...
Personnel Today has launched a new email newsletter for 2020, focusing on all aspects of diversity and inclusion.
