'Dickensian' characterisation of the gig economy just does not stack up with reality - IPSE
We must crack down where there is exploitation, but regulating the gig economy out of existence would hurt far more people than it would help, says IPSE.
IPSE’s policy development manager Jordan Marshall said:
"Of course we must crack down on instances where people are being pushed into self-employment against their will by unscrupulous companies. IPSE believes a positive statutory definition of self-employment would be the best way of tackling this issue.
"It would provide both individuals and companies with clarity over what does and does not constitute self-employment. It means that individuals will be able to better avoid exploitation while companies can be certain of how to manage their engagements with genuinely self-employed people. The end result being a reduction in the instances of people being pushed into self-employment.
"However, the Dickensian characterisation of the gig economy just does not stack up with reality. An independent study conducted by the government earlier this year found more than half of those involved in the gig economy are either very or fairly satisfied with their experience of providing services through websites and apps. Independence and flexibility are the key reasons cited for this satisfaction.
"Indeed working through an app allows individuals real freedom to fit work around other commitments. Whether that’s picking up a child from school or looking after an elderly relative, it provides individuals with more control over their lives. Being able to work as many or as few hours as you want – whenever and wherever you want – is a liberation for many people.
"Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. We must crack down where there is exploitation, but regulating the gig economy out of existence would hurt far more people than it would help."
