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”.
IR35: Time for the private sector to get its house in order?
Recent decisions by major employers such as Barclays and Lloyds to bring all contractors onto payroll have ruffled feathers in...
Queen’s Speech: Points-based immigration and Good Work Plan feature
A points-based immigration system will start in 2021.
Gig economy: Uber launches on-demand jobs app ‘Works’
Uber Technologies has launched a new app to put casual workers in touch with employers trying to fill vacant shifts....
Gig economy: Royal Mail’s eCourier drivers to strike over employment status
Drivers and riders working for eCourier, a same-day delivery service owned by Royal Mail Group, have voted for strike action,...
Tribunal seeks ‘worker’ status clarification from EU
An employment tribunal is seeking clarification from the European Court of Justice on the proper interpretation of the “worker” classification...
Landmark gig economy bill close to becoming law in California
The state of California is close to passing a landmark bill that will require employers to treat gig economy workers...
Work no more insecure than 20 years ago
Work in the UK is no more insecure than it was in 1998, despite claims that there has been an...
Businesses may need to compensate workers facing cancelled shifts
The government has announced new proposals of compensation for workers when their shift is cancelled at short notice
How employees are using social activism to make their voices heard
With traditional union membership in decline, employees are finding new ways to voice their opposition to corporate decisions, as shown...
Gig economy doubles in three years
One in 10 working-age adults in the UK work on gig economy platforms, double the number who did so in 2016.
Employees keen to get to grips with future of work
Companies need to do more to prepare employees for the future of work – but employees have a “keen sense...
Amazon offers workers thousands to set up own delivery businesses
Amazon is offering its employees thousands of pounds in funding to set up independent delivery businesses.
The company has said...
Uber not complying with GDPR requests say drivers
Uber drivers are threatening to take legal action over claims the company has refused to disclose the personal data it...
Addison Lee drivers strike over ‘below minimum wage’ pay
The first ever strike involving Addison Lee drivers takes place today (1 May), when drivers operating from Luton Airport take...
What challenges will HR face in the next 10 years?
Making predictions for the workplace is fraught with risk but Emma Shipp and Lynne Adams take a punt on technological change, new legislation, societal trends and, yes, Brexit, to lay out the likely challenges...
