ABSTRACT
This first chapter explains the role of digital technology in facilitating the return of on-demand labour engagement practices in industrial economies. It describes the industry sectors in which this is happening around the globe, and some examples of platforms and how they operate. Examples include Uber and others in the provision of transport services; clerical ‘crowdwork’ by organisations such as Amazon Mechanical Turk; odd job platforms, such as Airtasker; and personal care services, like Mabel. The engagement of workers through digital technology has tested the common law conception of ‘employment’ and the labour market has exhibited ambivalent responses to this development. Is this evidence of great innovation and the creation of new wealth and employment opportunities? Or is it a sinister return to more exploitative labour engagement practices, that will bring with it greater economic inequality, to the detriment of democratic nations? Answers to such questions in the immediate future will crucially depend upon whether societies respond with appropriate and effective forms of regulation, to enhance the benefits of this expansion of labour markets, but while controlling the risks of worker exploitation.
