The On-Demand Economy

A new report from the International Bar Association Global Employment Institute (IBA GEI) urges policymakers to create bespoke legislation for the de facto ‘third category’ of workers engaged in the on-demand economy (ODE) to provide them with greater protection and to boost innovation. Many ODE workers face a lack of legal protection or insecurity about their rights and obligations, which may lead to exploitation of workers by ODE companies, the report states. Titled The On-Demand Economy, the report recommends ODE workers receive holiday pay while retaining flexible working hours, minimum entitlements to employment protection and access to collective bargaining. Another recommendation is that discrimination laws cover ODE workers.