Weakening worker protections? Uncovering the gig economy and the future of work in the UK

In this chapter on the UK context, we offer an analysis that is multidimensional in that the perspectives that are adopted cut across macro (policymaking), meso (trade unions and labour organisations) and micro (self-employed workers). Using a maximum variation sampling strategy across the UK, we conducted an analysis of interview data drawn from a range of actors (n=29) including policymakers (e.g., parliamentarians from across central and devolved government) trade unions (e.g. national level officials, regional level organisers) and labour organisations (e.g., social economy organisations engaged in supporting gig economy and precarious workers) as well as gig economy workers. Our findings therefore draw upon a range of different sources and provide a rich insight into the issues generated by the gig economy for the prospects of a social dialogue in the UK that is focused on tackling inequalities, improving worker protections and effective policymaking around the future of work.