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”.
New rights for agency and temporary workers revealed
New legislation to bolster workers’ rights, including an extension of the right to a written statement of entitlements and closing...
Ireland on track to end zero-hour contracts
The Irish government has said it will end most zero-hour contracts in the country by summer as its Employment (Miscellaneous...
Largest university in UK hit by boycott over outsourced staff
Academics, students and leading politicians have launched a boycott of the University of London in support of outsourced workers
High Court upholds Deliveroo self-employment and collective bargaining ruling
The High Court has held that Deliveroo riders are self-employed and cannot form a collective bargaining unit.
The Independent Workers...
One-HR employment law review (webinar)
Last chance to book your place: 6 December 2018 at 2pm. Barrister Kevin Charles scrutinises the latest developments in employment law including whistleblowing, minimum wage and more...
Top 10 HR questions November 2018: employee or worker?
A number of recent employment tribunal cases have dealt with the employment status of people working in the “gig economy”....
‘Total talent management’ could solve the productivity puzzle
Faced with uncertain access to labour and the need to reskill workers in the coming years, how can organisations take...
Low Pay Commission hails effect of national living wage rises
Up to five million workers this year saw their pay rise after increases to the national living wage (NLW) were...
EAT upholds decision that Addison Lee drivers are workers
Addison Lee has lost its claim at the Employment Appeal Tribunal that its drivers were self-employed.
The EAT ruling today...
Campaigners turn to UN to tackle gig economy firms
Taxi and delivery giant Addison Lee is coming under fresh pressure to increase workers’ pay and benefits as campaigners target...
Swedish derogation repeal likely in gig economy shake-up
Prime minister Theresa May is planning a series of measures to toughen workers’ rights, including the ending of the Swedish...
The five truths HR teams need to embrace to deliver a more agile approach
Employers and HR are told they need to be agile but how can you achieve it? David Perring outlines the...
Employers should act now to mitigate job automation effect
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is set to have a significant impact on pay, working conditions and productivity. Ashleigh Webber reports...
Union urges Uber users not to cross ‘digital picket line’
The IWGB union has a called a 24-hour strike against Uber and is urging the public not use the taxi-hailing...
Delivering business agility: the critical role for HR in fast-growth firms
Organisations strive to become more agile so they can respond to change and deal with external forces as they grow....
