In a recent development in Manchester, England, retail assistants are speaking out against YoungOnes, a gig economy platform, for allegedly changing its payment structure to charge workers a fee for receiving their wages. The platform, which previously did not have a fee for receiving payment in three days, now charges workers an increasing percentage based on how quickly they need to access their earnings if they cannot wait the standard 30 days. This change has sparked outrage among workers who rely on gig work for short-term cash.
The allegations against YoungOnes come in the wake of reports highlighting the lack of basic employment rights for gig workers in the gig economy. Justin Madders, the minister for employment rights, has called for an investigation into the practices of YoungOnes in response to these allegations. Workers like Tom Gilliam from Emma Sleep’s store have expressed their frustration, stating that it feels like their hard-earned money is being held ransom by the company. The new payment structure has left many feeling exploited and powerless to speak out against these unfair practices.
One anonymous worker pointed out the unfairness of charging low-wage workers with reduced rights to access their money quickly. This sentiment has been echoed by Madders, who emphasized that it is unacceptable for employers to misclassify employees as self-employed to avoid providing them with basic employment rights. The exploitation of gig workers through such practices is intolerable and must be addressed by relevant authorities.
James Medd, the chief operating officer of YoungOnes, defended the platform’s new payment structure, claiming that it was designed to give freelancers more flexibility in their payment options. However, the concerns raised by workers and government officials highlight the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of the gig economy to protect the rights and well-being of workers.
Margaret Beels, the government’s independent director of labor market enforcement, has expressed concerns about the UK’s three-tier employment status system, which allows for the exploitation of workers through shifting them between different employment statuses. Beels called for stronger government intervention to address these issues and protect workers from unfair practices in the gig economy.
The case of YoungOnes serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by gig workers in accessing fair wages and basic employment rights. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is essential for policymakers, employers, and workers to work together to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and have access to the protections they deserve. Exploitative practices like those alleged against YoungOnes must be addressed to create a more equitable and just working environment for all.
