New rights for gig workers – a step in the right direction

With the new legislation coming into play, whilst a step in the right direction, these workers require more benefits and rights. Many of the companies using gig workers today are well known for the very flexible products and services that they give to their customers – but evidently very little of this flexibility passes down to their staff.

With the new legislation coming into play, whilst a step in the right direction, these workers require more benefits and rights. Contributor Peter Briffett, CEO and founder of financial wellness organisation – Wagestream.

Many of the companies using gig workers today are well known for the very flexible products and services that they give to their customers – but evidently very little of this flexibility passes down to their staff.

This is particularly pertinent during the festive season when we are all expected to spend a lot more than usual. Shift and gig workers are most likely to be anxious about the “Cost of Christmas” this year in comparison to other kinds of workers. 93 percent are worried that they won’t be able to afford the festivities this year, with many working extra shifts over the holidays and not even knowing when they’ll be paid for their labour. Many will get into more debt as a result and some have even said they will have to cancel Christmas.

When the plans for these regulations were first leaked a few months ago the government identified that addressing ‘one-sided flexibility’ is absolutely critical – this is very important. We need to either give gig workers all the benefits of flexible working (like greater control over working hours and conditions and getting-paid-as-you-go) or we must give them the same rights and benefits as the rest of the workforce.

A flexible income alone will provide benefits for employers as well as staff. For example, companies who have given staff access to their earned income during the month have seen a 40 percent plus increase in retention, a 20 percent plus increase in productivity and a growth in job applications.


Receive more HR related news and content with our monthly Enewsletter (Ebrief)

Read more

Latest News

Read More

Returning new parents are expected to work and deliver the same way they did before

15 February 2025

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

An investment management firm based in the West End has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to support their HR Director and Legal

Are you a strategic HR leader ready to shape the future of a growing business? This is your chance to make a real impact—driving people

An investment management firm based in the West End has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to support their HR Director and Legal

Manage the execution of the HR Strategy and core areas of the HR department including Recruitment, Employee Relations, Workforce Administration, Employee Engagement, Reward and Recognition,

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE