TECHNOLOGY +
DISRUPTION
THE GIG ECONOMY
T
he gig economy, often linked to
the sharing economy, is an
increasingly prevalent sector in
the modern economy. It revolves
around the concept by which internet
platforms are able to allow people to find
temporary work. 2016 has seen the rise
of the gig economy, with the major
growth of Uber and Deliveroo. Whilst
some people feel this work is a good
option due to its flexible working hours
and therefore accessibility for those
wanting to work part time, it has become
subject to controversy.
This is because of the blurred lines
between employer and worker which
allow the platforms people are working
through to become increasingly
exploitative. Under the guise of their
workers being self-employed these
platforms can force them into long hours,
high personal expense and unfair
scrutiny. This all takes place with no
benefit for the workers as they are not
provided with any insurance or protection
packages that are the norm under most
employment. Due to growing pressure on
the owners of these gig economy
platforms due to their unfair treatment of
workers, the government has launched a
high profile independent review led by
Matthew Taylor (Chief Executive of the
Royal Society for the encouragement of
Arts, Manufactures and Commerce). This
has been done in an attempt to monitor
the activity of this sector of the economy
and hopefully work to improve the rights
of those who work within it.
ISOBEL MASON
06