The gig economy is often associated with delivery workers who use popular apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. However, these delivery jobs only account for around 11% of gig economy workers. The majority, 53%, are largely invisible and work in office and desk-based roles such as web development, writing, and legal and admin services. Instead of being traditional employees, gig workers take on temporary and separate pieces of work, often lasting as little as a couple of days to several months.
In East Anglia, the number of gig workers has skyrocketed, making up about 1.2% of the total workforce. The surge in demand for temp workers has been driven by a combination of economic uncertainty and the mass exodus of full-time staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. This shift allows companies to have a more flexible workforce to cover whenever needed, and also is used to cope with the challenges of filling vacancies left by a large number of unexpected leavers and an increase in sick leave. The use of gig workers has helped businesses navigate hiring challenges and maintain their operations.
Although the rights of gig workers have been criticized, gig workers who find work through agencies like R13 are protected by legislation that gives them equal rights to their employed colleagues after 12 weeks. This includes the same pay and benefits as permanent employees. The flexibility of gig work allows those who are looking to bolster their income or gain additional experience without committing to a permanent position. While 16% of gig workers rely on office-based services as their primary income, many use this work as a way to top up their finances or gain experience. Students are often ideal candidates for gig work as it allows them to work around their studies and gain industry experience. Temporary work in the gig economy also appeals to those needing a financial boost during certain times of the year without committing long-term.
