Humans as a Service: The Promise and Perils of Work in the Gig Economy

The gig economy is a new way of working that offers flexibility and independence, but also raises concerns about worker protection and innovation. Employment law plays a central role in regulating this type of work, and ensuring that workers are treated fairly and that innovation is not stifled.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The gig economy, driven by the promise of flexibility and independence, holds the potential to transform the way we work. It offers consumers the convenience and affordability of on-demand services, while micro-entrepreneurs leverage online platforms to find their next gig, task, or ride. This transformative shift in the labor market has the potential to bring about significant benefits.

Consumers benefit from the ease and accessibility of on-demand work, while micro-entrepreneurs gain the opportunity to pursue their passions and turn their ideas into profitable ventures. The gig economy also creates new job opportunities, particularly in emerging sectors such as ride-sharing and food delivery.

However, with these benefits come challenges. As the gig economy continues to grow, concerns arise about the protection of consumers and workers. How can we ensure decent working conditions, protect consumers from exploitation, and foster innovation without stifling the growth of the gig economy?

One of the key challenges is the classification of gig workers. While gigs, tasks, and rides are forms of work, they often fall outside traditional employment laws and regulations. This lack of clarity and regulation can lead to exploitation and unfair treatment of workers.

To address this, employment law plays a central role in levelling the playing field. Governments and courts need to recognize gigs, tasks, and rides as forms of work and regulate them accordingly. This includes ensuring minimum wage laws, worker protections, and access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Another challenge is the impact of the gig economy on traditional industries. As more workers turn to gig work, it can lead to job displacement and wage stagnation in certain sectors. This requires policymakers to consider the long-term implications of the gig economy and develop strategies to support workers and promote economic growth.

In conclusion, the gig economy promises to revolutionize work as we know it, offering flexibility and independence to consumers and micro-entrepreneurs. However, to ensure its success and protect the interests of consumers and workers, it is essential to address the challenges of classification, regulation, and the impact on traditional industries. By recognizing gigs, tasks, and rides as forms of work and implementing appropriate regulations, we can create a fair and sustainable gig economy that benefits all parties involved.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198797029