This report by digital think-tank Doteveryone, highlights the ways in which gig workers can be enabled to live with financial security, dignity and dreams.
It would appear that gig workers are often “trapped” in insecure work because their long hours, financial insecurity and piecemeal work mean they are often unable to develop the relevant skills that will get them further in their careers. Research has shown that many platform workers have no option but to continue working in the gig economy because they can find no way out.
“We heard from them how gig work is ‘like quicksand’ – low pay becomes unliveable pay after costs are accounted for – and the promise of flexibility is an illusion when, in reality, workers must be available 24/7 and scrabble for every gig available.”
Our recommendation is that the government’s National Retraining Scheme is adapted so it is able to better support gig workers’ skills development. We suggest that the scheme could include micro-learning and mentoring courses that can be used flexibly around variable working schedules; incorporate financial and mental health support, and offer ways for workers to demonstrate and get recognised by other organisations for the transferable skills they develop through gig work.
Some workers would like to see gig work platforms offer them options to help them move up the career ladder or progress within gig work itself.