As the festive season approaches, retailers are under scrutiny for hiring practices.
- Major brands like Lush and Gymshark are using gig contracts for temporary hires.
- Gig apps such as Temper and YoungOnes facilitate these recruitments through social media.
- There are rising concerns about the lack of basic employment rights for gig workers.
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) highlights the legal ambiguities faced by these workers.
A recent investigation has revealed that several prominent retailers, including Lush and Gymshark, have opted to recruit temporary Christmas staff through gig economy contracts. This approach, facilitated by platforms such as Temper and YoungOnes, leverages social media channels like TikTok for outreach, often featuring influencers who can access vast audiences. The essence of the concern lies in the categorisation of these job roles as ‘freelance’, despite the job nature typically requiring standard employment protections.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC), through Tim Sharp, a senior policy officer, has expressed significant concern regarding this recruitment trend. Sharp states, “This is a worrying new development.” His concerns focus on the apparent disconnect between the nature of the work, typically involving direct customer interaction and sales responsibilities, and the lack of entitlements usually afforded to retail staff, such as holiday pay and job security.
Traditionally, retailers have employed agency workers to meet the seasonal demand surge, a method that aligns with employment laws ensuring basic rights. However, the current shift towards gig hiring disrupts this norm, raising complex questions around the legal status of those hired under such terms. The TUC warns that these gig platforms are not encapsulated within upcoming employment rights legislation, thus potentially opening a pathway for more companies to exploit such loopholes.
The Observer reported specific instances, such as Urban Outfitters advertising for freelance roles across prominent UK locations. Despite offering hourly wages above the minimum rate, candidates must reapply daily for shifts, highlighting the volatility and uncertainty inherent in gig contracts. Gymshark’s similar hiring for its London stores and Lush’s involvement further exemplify a growing industry pattern.
Adding a layer of complexity is the surge in retail-related violence, as outlined by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). They report a disturbing rise in crimes against retail workers, with incidents reaching 1,300 per day. This backdrop of increased risk amplifies the challenges faced by gig workers who typically lack comprehensive safety and security assurances.
The shift towards gig employment in retail raises significant concerns about workers’ rights amidst rising seasonal demands.
