| gen. |
gig economy (An economy in which people work in a transient, contract or self-employed capacity, as opposed to being full-time employees of a company. WT. What is the so-called "gig" economy, a phrase increasingly in use, and seemingly so in connection with employment disputes? According to one definition, it is "a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs". And – taking opposing partisan viewpoints – it is either a working environment that offers flexibility with regard to employment hours, or... it is a form of exploitation with very little workplace protection. | While Friday's decision will only apply to Ms Dewhurst, it highlights the working practices of the so-called "gig economy", where people are employed by companies on a job-by-job basis. BBC Alexander Demidov) |
