Gig economy workers ‘constantly worried’ about reviews

University researchers in Bristol and Oxford found review platforms are leaving so-called gig economy workers at the mercy of malicious customers.

Their study found popular review sites often operated without checks and balances to verify the ratings.

They also lacked effective processes for the contractor to seek redress.

In the gig economy, instead of a regular wage, workers get paid for the “gigs” they do, such as a food delivery or a car journey.

The study, carried out by staff from the University of Bristol and University of Oxford, found seven in 10 gig economy workers – from a sample of 900 across the UK and Europe – were worried about clients providing unfair feedback.

Many were undertaking jobs for free to avoid negative reviews impacting their future earnings.