The seminar looked at "The Rise of Platform Mediated Employment: Employment and Welfare issues". It took place on Wednesday 12th February, 2020 at 16:00 in the Fórsa offices, Nerney's Court, Dublin 1, DO1 R2C5.
Dr Damian Thomas, Senior Policy Analyst, NESC presented at the seminar.
Abstract:
This paper explores some of the key employment and welfare related issues associated with the growth of digital platforms that facilitate labour intermediation. This economic activity is a source of new employment opportunities and may be particularly useful in providing access to the labour market cohorts of the population who have found it difficult to access full time employment. Platform based working does however have the potential to blur the distinction between standard employment and self-employment and there are concerns that this type of working imposes disproportionate risks on individuals in terms of reduced employment rights; limited or no social protection coverage and increased employment and income insecurity.
There is also a view that the growth of such platforms threaten the sustainability of national social insurance funds. At present there is no actual data on platform based working in Ireland though there is an assumption that it is becoming more prevalent. At the same time many of the core issues that platform based working are bringing to the fore are also associated with other forms of non-standard or atypical working. The pace of change and complexity associated with platform working does however suggest there are limitations to traditional static forms of employment regulation. By drawing on the tradition of social dialogue and adapting existing policy instruments there may be potential to craft innovative and practical solutions to the employment and social welfare challenges posed by platform based working. This approach, however, must also address the challenge that traditional forms of collective organisation, employee voice and social partner representation are weak within the digital economy.
Please find link below to the slides.