The gig economy has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, present new opportunities to a wide range of people. Unfortunately, the negative stories surrounding the mode of operations deployed by many employers have taken away some of the positives that can be linked to an increasingly gig based UK economy. Here are some ways to ensure you are not being exploited.
Avoid Desperation
Regardless of your current situation, you need to avoid taking on gigs out of desperation. It is a recipe for disaster and increases the chances of exploitation. Have a proper knowledge of what your services are worth on the average and keep looking for opportunities that match that. Even when you have to accept gigs that do not reflect your worth, make them super temporal and be ready to move on, unless improvements are made to your working conditions.
Contract
As a worker in the gig economy, your contract is highly important. Verbal agreements may be honoured but you are leaving yourself open to exploitation and possible abuse if there is no contract that clearly states the terms of your employment. When there is a contract duly signed by all parties involved, it increases your chances of getting compensation when disputes arise. Your contract should clearly state your roles. This is important because, employers of labour in the gig economy are often guilty of paying flat fees for a broad range of services. For example, if you take on a delivery driver role but do not get a clearly defined contract, your employer could include other services like cleaning, sealing and packing to your job description.
When you get your contract, spend time to comb through it. Seek legal advice for any terms you do not understand. If you don’t spend time to go over your contract, you may be tied down by hidden clauses.
Know Your Rights
Apart from knowing your rights, be ready to speak out. Many of the brands that operate in the gig economy rely on social media to spread word about their business. This makes social media platforms a great place to take your complaints when disputes arise and there seems to be no resolution in sight.
Insurance
Insurance protects you against possible blowbacks from your position. For example, a driver with the right type of insurance will be less troubled about missing daily targets as a result of car repair work. There are different types of insurance. The best way to know the policies to go with is to speak to an insurance adviser that clearly understands your role and activities in the gig economy.
