A recent survey led by the University of Cambridge has revealed that around two-thirds of UK-based gig economy riders and drivers – those working for food delivery and ride-hailing apps – experience significant anxiety over unfair feedback and sudden changes to working hours. The study, which polled over 500 casual workers in 2022, highlights that three-quarters of these local workers also fear sudden drops in their income, and more than half reported risking their health and safety on the job.

The findings, published in Work, Employment and Society, suggest that while the gig economy’s flexibility appeals to some, it brings anxieties and health risks. Many gig workers spend about ten unpaid hours weekly waiting for work to come through on apps. Researchers found that local gig workers – including riders and drivers – earn around £8 per hour, about 20% less than remote digital gig workers, whose average hourly pay is £10. This lower pay leaves many riders and drivers earning below the UK minimum wage despite the job’s physical demands and tight deadlines.

Dr Alex Wood, the lead author from Cambridge’s Department of Sociology, remarked on workers’ mental strain: “Rating systems can lead to deactivation for workers. If your job is at the mercy of a quick click on a stranger’s phone, it’s bound to cause constant anxiety and a sense of being monitored and judged.” His team’s data also reveals that riders and drivers report significantly more health issues than remote gig workers, with over half suffering physical pain related to their jobs.

The precarious nature of gig work and lack of security are also prominent issues. 65% of riders and drivers feel anxious about unexpected changes to their working hours, compared to 40% of remote workers. In addition, 74% worry about sudden changes in how they must perform their job – another factor contributing to job insecurity. While remote workers generally report more autonomy and the freedom to manage their work tasks, only about two-thirds of riders and drivers said they had similar flexibility.

Many gig economy workers are recent migrants, and the researchers ensured their study was accessible in languages like Polish, Spanish and Bengali. Prof Brendan Burchell, a co-author of the study, emphasised that although gig economy workers are technically self-employed, they can still be economically dependent and face exploitation, underlining the need for better protections.

The study also includes personal testimonies from gig workers that bring these statistics to life. In a related research project, Cambridge PhD student Jon White spoke to Cambridge drivers about the job’s physical toll and the need for fairer wages. One driver described constant pain in his thighs and difficulty sleeping, while another lamented the low fares that sometimes force them to work longer hours to cover their basic bills.

Overall, the study illuminates the reality of gig economy work for many in the UK: a sector that promises flexibility and autonomy yet delivers a mixture of anxiety, financial precarity, and physical hardship. With the number of gig workers continuing to grow, these findings call for urgent attention to improving job quality and safeguarding the well-being of those who keep the wheels of the gig economy turning.

More information: Alex Wood et al, Beyond the ‘Gig Economy’: Towards Variable Experiences of Job Quality in Platform Work, Work Employment and Society. DOI: 10.1177/09500170251336947

Journal information: Work Employment and Society Provided by University of Cambridge