Following increasing concerns by unions over the employment practices tied to these platforms, major retailers Uniqlo, Gymshark, and Lush announced they would cease hiring freelance retail workers through gig economy apps Young Ones and Temper.
The TUC called on the retailers to put an end to their use of gig economy apps for hiring temporary workers. The TUC argued that such arrangements deny workers key employment rights, including minimum wage, sick pay, holiday pay, rest breaks, and protection from unfair dismissal.
This text emerged during the festive season when many retailers were hiring temporary shop staff through gig economy sites. Social media influencers with millions of followers continually advertise such platforms. The TUC expressed its alarm about the trend, rightly worrying it could hurt workers’ mental health and well-being.
TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell expressed alarm concerning the increased exploitation of retail work assignments for the need to become involved in the practice of freelance worker employment self-designated freelance individuals. Bell is very vocal saying to the firms :
  “This we consider as ‘extremely worrying.’ End such a practice by now, providing direct-employed as well as other agency workers right and full-time protections under you”
The TUC further argued that the self-employed status of retail workers erodes their rights and protections. Bell criticized the arrangement, saying it was “laughable” to treat retail assistants serving customers as independent contractors rather than as employees or temporary staff.
Companies Respond to Criticism
The Temper app has already admitted it has indeed utilized its platform to top-up the employees for Uniqlo on peak seasons. However, Uniqlo assured that they do not continue such practice because of its permanent hiring directly through company channels and, if through temporary hiring channels, still making them qualified to gain employment benefits.
“We care for our workers by treating them equally with fair quality services,” the Uniqlo representative declared.
Similarly, Lush said that it had used gig economy apps to recruit less than six individuals during a limited pilot. Cosmetic company Lush then confirmed that is not going to hire workers like this in the future.
The sportswear firm Gymshark refused comment on the record but has said to have canceled its use of gig economy recruitment apps in reaction to the pressure.
Major retailers Uniqlo Gymshark and Lush Halt Hiring Freelance Retail Workers Through Gig Economy Apps
Broader Implications
The letter by TUC is a reflection of a wider attempt to deal with the issue of exploitation in the gig economy, especially in retail. The trade union body vowed to fight for the rights of all retail workers, saying that fair treatment and adequate protections should not be sacrificed for operational convenience.
This development poses the challenge between flexibility in employment and fair labor practice. Over time, through this development, gig economy platforms are demanding both regulators and employers to adjust into ethical employment standards.
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