Is the gig economy good for migrants and ethnic minorities?

A Rebel's Guide to the Gig Economy is a series of podcasts by journalist Ben Wray and researcher Marini Thorne which gets behind the tech jargon and the CEO propaganda to examine the reality of work in the gig economy and look at how gig workers can challenge the power of their algorithmic bosses.

In Episode 7, Ben and Marini question the notion that the gig economy is a labour market boon for migrants and ethnic minorities. While the low barriers to entry mean many marginalised workers can access gig work easier than standard jobs, the low pay and precarity of the gig economy keeps these workers on the margins.

Previous episodes:

Ep 1: ⁠⁠What is the gig economy?⁠⁠

Ep 2: ⁠⁠Why are gig workers paid-per-task?⁠⁠

Ep 3: ⁠⁠What is the algorithm?⁠⁠

Ep 4: ⁠⁠Are gig workers their ‘own boss’?⁠⁠

Ep 5: ⁠Is gig work really ‘flexible’?⁠

Ep 6: Is the gig economy really a "godsend" for women?

Future episodes:

Ep 8: What makes platforms powerful?

Ep 9: Why do platforms struggle to turn a profit?

Ep 10: Why should gig workers join a union?

Ep 11: How do gig workers get power over their data?

You can keep up-to-date with all future episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or at BraveNewEurope.com/The-Gig-Economy-Project.

Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @Project_gig.

If you have any feedback on the Rebel’s Guide series, email GEP@BraveNewEurope.com.