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”.
LibDems aspire to modernise gig economy and increase worker incomes
The Liberal Democrats say they would alter employment rights to make them a better fit with the gig economy.
Graduates take on second jobs to meet living costs
Recent university graduates are having to take on second jobs in order to pay their rent and cope with rising...
Bolt drivers urge better pay and recognition of workers’ rights
Drivers for the minicab app Bolt have staged a protest against what they describe as “unfair” dismissals and its alleged...
Gig workers should be able to form unions, says EU commissioner
The European Union’s competition commissioner has said that gig workers should be able to “team up” to form unions.
Young people increasingly struggle to move out of insecure work
It is becoming harder for younger workers in insecure or temporary jobs to move into good quality permanent work.
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.
