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What do platform workers in the UK gig economy want?

Author

Listed:
  • Nicholas Martindale
  • Alex J. Wood
  • Brendan J. Burchell

Abstract

Despite the considerable debate concerning the gig economy, research has yet to investigate what platform workers themselves want. In part, this is due to the difficulty of undertaking traditional social surveys in this sector. Therefore, this article makes use of a novel research design that generates a strategic non‐probability sample of 510 platform workers with which to investigate workers’ preferences regarding labour rights, representation and voice. Findings suggest strong support for labour rights, trade unions and co‐determination. The low pay, insecurity, risk and lack of organizational voice that we find provides a rationale for these preferences. Moreover, platform workers’ preferences are seemingly influenced by wider inequalities, with significant differences according to gender and country of birth.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Martindale & Alex J. Wood & Brendan J. Burchell, 2024. "What do platform workers in the UK gig economy want?," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 62(3), pages 542-567, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:62:y:2024:i:3:p:542-567
    DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Maric & Elke S. Schuessler & Laura Thäter, 2025. "Neither Employment nor Self‐Employment: Avenues Towards Functional Platform‐Mediated Work Systems," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 63(2), pages 287-304, June.
    2. Elisabeth Bethge, 2025. "Voices Beyond the Road: Comparison of Online Employee Voice in Traditional Transport and the Ride-Sharing Industry," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(6), pages 1303-1328, December.
    3. Alex J Wood & Nicholas Martindale & Brendan J Burchell, 2025. "Beyond the ‘Gig Economy’: Towards Variable Experiences of Job Quality in Platform Work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 39(5), pages 1154-1178, October.

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