The Expansive Learning Network presents Exploring the Gig Economy

The gig economy and the future of work Meave Noonan PhD Candidate, RMIT University Researcher-in-residence, Geelong Region LLEN

What is the gig economy? The rise of non-traditional ways of working and providing goods and services temporary, task-by-task forms of employment Emergence of digital talent platforms e.g. Uber, Airtasker, Deliveroo Also known as the ‘sharing economy’ ‘collaborative economy’ or ‘on-demand economy’

What is the gig economy? ‘Independent’ workers – 4 segments free agents, actively choose independent work and derive their primary income from it casual earners use independent work for supplemental income and do so by choice reluctants make their primary living from independent work but would prefer traditional jobs the financially strapped do supplemental independent work out of necessity (McKinsey Global Institute 2016)

How many people are employed in the gig economy? Estimates from the US and UK vary 30% of Australian workers are operating in non-traditional types of work (Grattan Institute 2016) 70% of Australians <34 are open to using a digital talent platform, such as Airtasker, Freelancer, or Uber to source income in the next year (Foundation for Young Australians 2015)

What are the benefits of the gig economy? Autonomy and accessibility Low barriers to entry download the app and start working Flexibility of working hours A way to ‘top up’ earnings Benefits to the wider economy - create jobs and raise GDP

What are some of the risks? Inherently insecure and unpredictable ‘Zero hours’ contracts and underemployment Globalisation of the workforce

The gig economy – controversy and debate

The gig economy – controversy and debate Is the gig economy actually a new phenomenon? Home work/ piece work/ on-call work Are gig workers ‘independent contractors’, ‘workers’ or ‘employees’? Rights to the minimum wage, unfair dismissal protections, holiday and sick pay, superannuation?

The gig economy and the future of work Source: Connolly, E & Lewis, C (2010) Structural Change in the Australian Economy, Reserve Bank of Australia Bulletin

The gig economy and the future of work

The gig economy and the future of work Full-time permanent employment model is in decline Portfolio careers Today’s young people will likely have several different careers across several different industries within their lifetime Shake-up of existing education, training, careers, skills development approaches

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The Expansive Learning Network presents Exploring the Gig Economy

Ross George

Sue Cartwright Carli Saw

Accredited Practising Dietician Wayne Elliott Naomi Lawrance Accredited Practising Dietician

Colin Vernon

Q & A with the panel

Workshop

Questions for workshop What are the main issues you believe need to be explored more, or addressed, if those in the community are to have the best opportunities to find meaningful work in a gig economy labour market? What regional strategies do you believe would help most for a successful transition to this new way of working?

Thankyou to our sponsors and supporters

Thankyou to our sponsors and supporters