The Economics of Temporary Jobs and the Cost of Overprotecting Employees

The Economics of Temporary Jobs and the Cost of Overprotecting Employees

The End of Irresponsibility: How Europe Is Redefining Platform Workers The Quiet Legal Revolution The gig economy, long associated with platforms like Uber, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats, has relied on a "freelancer" model where workers move from one job to another with complete freedom, no obligations to an employer, and few social rights. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a profound legal shift in the UK and the EU, with courts and legislatures increasingly classifying these workers as "fraudulent freelancers" or part-time employees, guaranteeing them minimum wage, paid leave, and social security. A legal and economic analysis of this shift reveals that it marks the end of the era of irresponsibility on work platforms and the beginning of a more equitable and socially sustainable model. The Landmark Case The landmark UK ruling against Uber, known as "Islam v Uber," established a powerful legal precedent that changed the game. The Supreme Court unanimou…