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ARTICLE · 07 JUNE 2021

Digital Platform Workers In Europe - Recent Developments

Seyfarth Shaw LLP
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The expansion of the so-called "gig economy" has caused big changes to the labor market in Europe in the last 15 years. This is particularly apparent in the digital platform sector.

European UnionEmployment and HR
Laurence D. Harvey Wood
Laurence D. Harvey Wood
Ana Cid
Ana Cid
Paul Whinder
Paul Whinder
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The expansion of the so-called “gig economy” has caused big changes to the labor market in Europe in the last 15 years. This is particularly apparent in the digital platform sector. Companies like Uber and Just Eat which provide transport or food delivery services rely upon a workforce engaged under flexible terms under which neither party has any significant obligation to provide or perform work on a durable basis.

Drivers and riders who work with these companies are generally subject to standard terms and conditions which state that they will operate as independent contractors. The platform operator positions itself as an intermediary between the end user and the freelance service provider, charging a commission in order to put the two parties in contact.

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