Number of people working for gig economy platforms has tripled in five years

Government must keep the pace with EU on new rights for gig economy workers says TUC

A recent report by the TUC found the number of people working for gig economy platforms has near-tripled in England and Wales over the past five years.

The report ‘Platformisation and the Pandemic: Changes in Workers’ Experiences of Platform Work in England and Wales, 2016-2021‘, includes the TUC’s ‘Seven ways platform workers are fighting back’ featuring a series of essays from leading trade unionists, academics and activists on the gig economy.

Commenting on the European Commission’s draft legislation which aims to improve rights for gig economy workers, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: 

“Time and time again Boris Johnson promised to protect and enhance workers’ rights and go above and beyond the European Union.  

“The truth is that less than a year after the UK-EU deal came into force, we’re already at real risk of losing ground to the EU on workers’ rights. 

“This proposal for improving conditions in the platform economy could be a gamechanger for workers in EU member states. But without action in the UK, many gig workers will continue to be denied their rights and treated like disposable labour. 

“It’s high time the prime minister lived up to his word and boosted workers’ rights.  

“The government must keep the pace with the EU on new rights for gig workers. And ministers must bring forward the long-awaited employment bill to end exploitative work practices.”