EU puts forward measures to improve platform work and adopts Social Economy Action Plan

Today the European Commission has proposed a set of measures to improve the working conditions in platform work and to support the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the EU. The aim is to ensure that people working through digital labour platforms can enjoy the labour rights and social benefits they are entitled to. They will also receive additional protection as regards the use of algorithmic management (i.e. automated systems that support or replace managerial functions at work).

As recently discussed in the ETF's online event on "Innovation and Adaptation of Active Labour Market Policies to Changing Economic and Social Conditions" digital labour platforms create opportunities for businesses, workers and self-employed, as well as improved access to services for consumers. However, new ways of work also come with new challenges. It becomes increasingly difficult to correctly classify the employment status of people, leading in some cases to inadequate labour rights and social protection. In addition, the use of algorithms in platform work can raise questions of accountability and transparency.     

A common set of EU rules will provide increased legal certainty, therefore enabling digital labour platforms to benefit fully from the economic potential of the Single Market and a level playing field. The Commission has proposed a Communication setting out the EU approach and measures on platform work, a proposal for a Directive on improving working conditions in platform work, and Draft Guidelines on the application of EU competition law.

More information can be found on the website of the European Commission. 

The European Commission also adopted the EU's Social Economy Action Plan today. More details can be found here.