Topic Summary
The term “gig economy” originates from the idea of live performances, where each job is like a gig. It describes a type of work that relies on short-term contracts or freelance work rather than permanent positions. Gig workers are normally categorised as “workers” or “self-employed”.
What is Gig Work?
Delivering food for Deliveroo, driving for Uber, or picking up tasks on TaskRabbit are all gig jobs. Students and young people often do gig work because it’s flexible and fits around studies or other commitments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Work when you want
- Easy to start, with few requirements
Cons:
- Many gig workers are self-employed, so they often miss out on sick pay, holiday pay, and job security
- Courts in the UK have sometimes ruled that some gig workers should get more rights, showing it’s a tricky area
About 2 million people in the UK do gig work (UK Government, 2023).
Employment Rights for Gig Workers:
Rights depend on whether you’re classed as an employee, worker, or self-employed:
- Sick Pay: Only employees/workers get Statutory Sick Pay
- Holiday: Employees get 28 days; self-employed usually none
- Pensions: Employees get workplace pensions; self-employed save their own
- Maternity/Paternity: Employees can get statutory leave; self-employed may get Maternity Allowance
- Minimum Wage & Hours: Employees/workers are protected; self-employed set their own rates and hours
Question
Which of the following is a common feature of gig work in the UK?
Discussion
Do you think the expansion of the gig economy has been beneficial or detrimental to workers?
How it works in real life
Ask friends and family about their first jobs and whether any of them have been involved in gig work. What were the pros and cons? If you don’t know anyone personally, carry out some research online.