A new academic study has raised concerns about the working conditions of riders and drivers in the UK gig economy, highlighting deep-seated anxieties, income insecurity, and physical health concerns among those who rely on food delivery and ride-hailing apps to make a living.
The research, led by the University of Cambridge and published in the journal Work, Employment and Society, surveyed more than 500 gig economy workers across the country. The findings reveal that nearly two-thirds of app-based drivers and riders live with the fear of receiving unfair customer feedback, a factor that could jeopardise their ability to continue working.
Three-quarters of the participants admitted to feeling anxious about sudden income drops, with more than half (51%) reporting that their job puts their health and safety at risk. Moreover, 42% of respondents stated that they suffer from physical pain as a direct result of their work duties, shedding light on the physical toll that platform work can impose.
The report also revealed that many gig economy workers spend significant unpaid time “on call.” On average, riders and drivers log ten hours each week simply waiting for work to come through the app. Despite being available and technically working, this time does not translate into earnings — a key issue when no base salary or guaranteed hours are provided.
Algorithmic management and precarious work
The study highlights the unique structure of gig economy employment, where workers are not formally employed but instead operate as self-employed contractors. Work is allocated algorithmically via digital platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo, and while flexibility is often touted as a benefit, the gig economy system does not offer traditional employment protections such as sick pay, minimum wage, or regulated working hours.
“Rating systems can lead to deactivation for workers,” said lead author Dr Alex Wood of Cambridge’s Department of Sociology. “If your job is at the mercy of a quick click on a stranger’s phone, it is likely to fuel a constant hum of uncertainty and anxiety, along with feelings of being judged, monitored and replaceable.”
Wood explained that the feedback mechanisms designed to evaluate performance often create an atmosphere of instability. Workers fear losing their income due to low ratings or negative customer experiences — even when such incidents may be beyond their control.
Challenges in capturing data from a hidden workforce
One of the more striking revelations from the study is the sheer difficulty in reaching and surveying app-based workers. Many of them are recent migrants to the UK and are not easily identifiable through traditional employment metrics. The research team used targeted social media advertising in multiple languages, including Polish, Spanish and Bengali, to reach riders and drivers. The study eventually captured data from a day in the life of a gig worker from 257 local workers and 253 remote gig workers who engaged in online tasks like data entry and coding.
Professor Brendan Burchell, co-author of the study, commented: “Attempts to investigate working conditions in the UK gig economy have been hampered by the difficulty of identifying and accessing people doing the work. This study makes a significant contribution by bringing statistical clarity to a fast-evolving form of labour.”
The comparison between “local” gig workers — those who must be physically present, such as drivers — and “remote” digital workers underscored the disparity in working experiences. While all gig workers face some level of insecurity, those tied to geographic locations often bear the brunt of physical strain, fluctuating demand, and precarious pay structures and require extra protections.
Looking ahead
The research underscores the importance of further inquiry and public discussion around the treatment of gig economy workers in the United Kingdom. With close to half a million individuals estimated to be working within this model as of 2022, understanding their challenges is key to promoting sustainable and fair labour practices.
The Workers Union Says…
“The findings serve as a timely reminder that while convenience and flexibility are the selling points of app-based labour, these benefits often come at a hidden cost — borne by workers who remain unprotected and underrepresented in wider employment frameworks.”
