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”.
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...
Gig workers’ lives at risk by ‘failure to adopt EU health and safety law‘
A union that represents gig economy workers is taking legal action against the government for its alleged failure to ensure...
California sues Uber and Lyft over driver benefits
The state of California is suing the ride-hailing technology companies Uber and Lyft for failing to provide benefits and protections...
European court issues worker status clarification in Yodel case
The European Court of Justice has provided some clarification around how ‘worker’ status is defined under EU law, but has...
House of Lords: IR35 ‘riddled with problems’
The IR35 rules are ’riddled with problems, unfairnesses, and unintended consequences’, according to a House of Lords committee.
House of Lords committee reveals IR35 concerns
The House of Lords committee looking at the proposed extension of IR35 regulations to the private sector has written to...
What will happen to employment status and the Good Work Plan?
Against the background of the coronavirus crisis, the changes coming in on 6 April and the proposed Employment Bill continue to narrow the gap between the status and rights of workers and employee.
Bolt driver to bring employment status case
A driver is bringing an employment status case against taxi-hailing company Bolt after he was expelled from its platform for...
Uber drivers in France are employees
Uber drivers in France are employees and not self-employed, the country’s highest court has confirmed.
The landmark ruling, which confirms...
IR35: Surely blanket bans are not the answer?
Rather than run the risk of being caught out by the extension of off-payroll working rules to the private sector,...
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