Research and analysis

Gig economy research

Research on the size of the gig economy, the characteristics of those participating in the gig economy and their experiences within it.

Documents

The characteristics of individuals in the gig economy

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The experiences of individuals in the gig economy

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Details

These reports present the findings from research conducted into the gig economy for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Characteristics of those in the gig economy

This research uses nationally representative surveys to cover 3 key areas:

  • developing a working definition of the gig economy
  • using the working definition to estimate the number of individuals who have found work via the gig economy
  • providing information on the characteristics of those who work in the gig economy

Experiences of individuals in the gig economy

This research uses 150 interviews to look at several aspects of the gig economy and the experiences of individuals within it:

  • motivations for working in the gig economy
  • experiences of working in the gig economy
  • pay and conditions
  • employment rights
  • skills and training
  • main perceived advantages and disadvantages
  • future plans
Published 7 February 2018