Gig work and the platform economy

The gig economy has quickly become a disruptive force in the global labour market. Referring to work forms that are mediated via digital platforms, this new economy utilises technology to connect freelance workers with customers to perform short-term tasks. The chapter begins by discussing the emergence and growth of gig work, highlighting various developments and controversies that have shaped the current understanding of this phenomenon. It then explores employment-based issues in the gig economy, considering the roles of both platform organisations and workers. The use of algorithms by organisations to manage and coordinate gig workforces is examined, as well as the lived experiences of gig workers themselves, including the positives, negatives, and uncertainties associated with this unique working arrangement. The chapter concludes by discussing potential future directions in gig work and suggests combining research and policy-based approaches to address the prominent tensions that exist in this field.