The rise of the gig economy has been a hot topic in recent years, with more and more people turning to freelance work as a way to earn a living. One of the latest developments in this trend is the use of apps like Young Ones and Temper to connect workers with short-term shifts at brick-and-mortar businesses. This new model of employment is changing the way we think about work and raising important questions about the future of labor.
In west London’s bustling Westfield shopping centre, the Emma Sleep mattress store is fully staffed with smiling employees in Emma Sleep T-shirts. However, these workers are not traditional employees of the retailer. They are self-employed freelancers hired for the day through the Young Ones app. This shift towards gig work in physical retail spaces is relatively new and largely invisible to the outside world.
Young Ones and Temper are apps that connect businesses with freelance workers looking for short-term shifts. Clients post specific shifts at a set rate of pay, and workers registered on the app can apply for these shifts. The model is simple and efficient, with both workers and clients rating each other at the end of each shift. This system offers flexibility and variety for workers, allowing them to try out different roles and broaden their horizons.
While there are clear advantages for workers in the gig economy, there are also concerns about the long-term implications of this model. Self-employed workers typically pay less in taxes than traditional employees, which could have negative consequences for government revenues and public services. Additionally, the power dynamics in gig work can be precarious, especially in times of economic downturn when competition for shifts is high.
The UK government is currently exploring ways to increase the power of low-paid workers through new employment rights. However, these rights only apply to traditional employees, leaving gig workers in a grey area outside the corporate boundary. As technology makes it easier to hire workers without employing them, the government faces the challenge of regulating this new form of employment to ensure fair treatment and protection for workers.
Ultimately, the future of work in the gig economy is still uncertain. There are arguments for both accepting gig work and providing protections for workers, as well as for reclassifying these workers as traditional employees. The key is to address these issues head-on and create a clear legal framework that protects the rights of all workers, regardless of their employment status. As the government seeks to improve conditions for workers, it must also consider the implications of the gig economy on traditional employment and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equitably.
