Gig Economy Development as a Challenge for the Labor Market Regulation Sphere

Abstract

The gig economy is a relatively new term that emerged during the global crisis of 2007+. The paper attempts to explain and systematize the features of work in this new segment of the economy. The conclusions were drawn based on the discussion in the literature concerning the status of the service providers operating in this segment. The paper provides arguments confirming the hypothesis that the new means to shape the relations between a service provider and a service purchaser requires appropriate regulations that consider their specificity. The article employs the critical literature analysis method of the most recent references as well as an analysis of the case studies from countries affected by the development of the gig economy, where this issue had already been examined. Based on the above, it was proved that the gig economy has started to function as an independent term within the new specific business model in which service providers are recognized as employees. However, it is also possible to create conditions in the gig economy in which service providers may achieve self-employment status.