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”.
Five employment law cases that will shape 2021
Stephen Simpson looks at five important employment law cases that will grab the headlines in 2021, covering significant issues such...
Seven key employment law cases from 2020
From the leaking of personal data to homophobia and the gig economy, we highlight seven noteworthy cases from 2020 that employers should know about.
Gig economy: Just Eat offers couriers better terms
Food delivery company Just Eat has announced it will offer couriers pay by the hour rather than per job in...
High Court: Government failed gig workers’ health and safety
The government has failed to implement important EU health and safety protections for workers into UK law, a judicial review...
Stuart couriers seek worker status ruling
A group of couriers for delivery firm Stuart have launched legal action against the company in a bid to be...
Scientists surprised at construction industry Covid clusters
The construction industry has been singled out as being a higher-than-expected source of Covid-19 outbreaks.
Self-employment surge driven by tight jobs market
There has been a surge in solo self-employment with many taking the option not because there were appealing business opportunities, but because they'd lost their job.
California votes to preserve Uber and Lyft drivers’ gig status
In a less commented upon US ballot, California last week voted to exempt Uber and Lyft drivers from being classified as employees.
Uber sued for ‘automated’ dismissals
In the first legal challenge of its kind, former Uber drivers in the UK and Portugal are suing the taxi-hailing...
Most firms support tighter employment laws, poll finds
Almost two-thirds (64%) of businesses would support tightening employment laws to prevent worker exploitation.
This is according to a poll...
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...
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