Samenvatting

The gig economy is a relatively new, but rapidly evolving, form of employment across the globe and especially amongst younger people in the United Kingdom. Characterised by flexible, individualised and platform-based work, it is fast becoming an attractive means of employment. It is valued for the freedom and adaptability that it provides to individuals, as well as companies who can easily take on these workers, unburdened by cumbersome and extensive employee-style contracts. However, despite the advantages it confers for some, it also poses systemic vulnerabilities for all workers who partake. The most immediate issues concern the lack of stable income, isolated nature of work, and job insecurity. And in the long-term a lack of pension, sick pay, and growth opportunities will all have large ramifications. The lack of provisions conferred to gig workers presents a considerable issue.

Currently, there is no protective legislation in place to resolve these issues, rather a fragile judicial framework enshrines appropriate rights on a case-by-case basis. Normally, workers would recourse to their union, however due to the atypical nature of the gig economy and the non-employee status of the workers, traditional unions are reticent to intervene. Smaller unions are currently addressing the shortfall but face issues in engagement due to the transient and underrepresented nature of gig work. This research looks to explore the relationship between vulnerabilities, social interaction, and trade union engagement as perceived by gig workers as to inform and improve trade union outreach in the gig economy.