THE number of people working in the so-called gig economy has increased significantly in England and Wales over the past five years, new research suggests.
A survey of more than 2,000 adults showed that three in 20 had jobs in the gig economy at least once a week, compared to one in 20 in 2016.
The TUC said the study, covering jobs including driving, cleaning and office work, showed that the gig economy was “spiralling”.
The research, carried out by the University of Hertfordshire, indicated that most of those in gig jobs used them to supplement other forms of income, which the TUC said could lead to exceptionally long working days.
The union body warned that the trend will lead to more workers on low pay and experiencing poor conditions.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Everyone deserves to be treated fairly at work, but millions of working people are having to rely on casual and insecure gig economy work to make ends meet, often on top of other jobs.
“Gig economy platforms are using new technologies to carry out the age-old practice of worker exploitation. Too often gig workers are denied their rights and are treated like disposable labour.
“Ministers must stop letting gig economy platforms off the hook. That means giving all gig workers trade union access, banning zero hours contracts and boosting workers’ rights across the board.”
Professor Neil Spencer, of the University of Hertfordshire, added: “Our research shows that the gig economy is a substantial part of the UK’s workforce and I expect it to continue to grow.
“Gig work can offer flexibility, but many workers also experience lower pay and poor working conditions.
“Those classified as self-employed also have less rights than employees. It is vital that pay and conditions for gig workers are improved to protect those who rely on this work as a source of income.”
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