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A platform for success

How we can build a better future in the gig economy

This white paper details the issues with the gig and platform economy. We're calling on the UK Government to take action to provide a safe and healthy working environment for everyone. But we can all play our part in protecting workers. Let's make it happen.

Gig work image

1.7 million people

estimated to work in UK gig economy

20% of UK gig workers

class this work as their main source of income

300% growth

expected by 2027

You've seen the stats. Here are our concerns

The UK gig and platform economy is growing at a fast pace. This situation is mirrored around the globe. There were an estimated 435 million gig workers worldwide in late 2023, with demand for gig work having grown by 41 per cent since 2016.

Gig and platform work involves providing services requested by customers and users online. Tasks range from taxi driving and food deliveries to software development and graphic design. The work offers increased flexibility for those who need it. 

However, it also involves non-standard working and can create significant occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges. Platform workers are reported to experience poor OSH management, long and unpredictable working hours, a shortage of places to take breaks and lack of bathroom or similar facilities.

Online platform work can lead to physical issues such as eye strain and musculoskeletal problems. There can also be issues with time pressure and isolation.

A man looking stressed

This is what gig and platform workers told us about the realities of life.

58%

said it makes it difficult to care for dependants, including children and elderly relatives

63%

said it impacts their ability to take holidays

54%

said they have low levels of job security

We're calling on the UK Government to take these nine actions.

  1. Use up-to-date evidence to make informed policy decisions on the platform and gig economy.

  2. Find alternatives to zero-hour contracts that ensure workers' health, safety and wellbeing

  3. Include gig and platform workers in the Labour Market Enforcement Agency's strategy.

  4. Pass legislation giving gig workers the same rights as other employees.

  5. Guarantee labour protections, including insurance for work-related injuries and diseases.

  6. Implement regulations for workers to report poor treatment and conditions.

  7. Research and explore ways to regulate workers' on-call time

  8. Enforce safety and health protections for workers through inspections.

  9. Require platforms to conduct and share impact assessments before using digital monitoring and algorithms.

  1. United Kingdom

    October 2016

    Employment tribunal rules that Uber cannot classify their drivers as self-employed, and must extend them the same rights as full-time employees.

  2. France

    2016–2019

    Law that provides extended occupational accident and disease insurance coverage, access
    to training and the right to organise for some self-employed platform workers.

  3. European Union

    April 2019

    Implements a Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions and enhanced minimum standards for all platform workers. It includes more predictable hours, the right to training and compensation for cancellation of planned work.

  4. California (US)

    November 2020

    In North America, Proposition 22 was passed in California in November 2020, which guaranteed healthcare stipends, injury protection insurance and safety training for drivers and couriers.

  5. United Kingdom

    March 2021

    UK Supreme Court upholds decision classifying ride-hire drivers as employees, entitling them to a minimum wage, pension and holiday pay.

  6. Spain

    May 2021

    Introduces the ‘Rider Law’, categorising food-delivery gig workers as employees. The law also compels gig employers to be transparent about the role played by machine-learning algorithms in their decisions when allocating work.

  7. Singapore

    2022–2024

    Landmark law for gig workers – the Platform Workers Bill – in Singapore would compensate gig workers in case of injury, give them greater retirement benefits and allow worker representation. The proposed law will create a new category between employees and the self-employed and will be accompanied by a new code of practice.

  8. European Union

    April 2024

    Approval of the Platform work Directive aims to ensure that platform workers have their
    employment status classified correctly and to correct bogus self-employment. They also regulate, for the first time ever in the EU, the use of algorithms in the workplace.

  9. International

    2025/26

    Proposal for a new international labour standard on decent work in the platform economy (Convention and/or Recommendation).

Support our call for better protection and rights for gig and platform workers.