The Latest Gig Economy Statistics for the UK

According to World Bank data, there are a total of 545 online gig work platforms in the world, encompassing 186 countries. Moreover, almost three-quarters of the platforms are regional or local, which is why they’ve gone under the radar in other reports.

Due to focusing on English-based gig platforms and global instead of regional gig companies, previous reports underestimated the number at only 153 million. Another insight allowed by this wider scope is that low- and middle-income countries make up 40% of traffic to gig platforms.

Freelance gig economy statistics show a growth tendency across global regions. By 2027, experts predict that 86.5 million people will be freelancing in the United States, making it one of the most concentrated gig markets in the world.

In Australia, 45% of gig transport workers earn below the $21.38 per hour minimum wage; for those working over 40 hours, it's 66%. Food delivery (57%) and rideshare (44%) workers are disproportionately affected. Gig economy statistics in Australia expose that this may be the largest case of mass underpayment, impacting 90,000–12,000 individuals.

The Indian gig workforce is set to reach 23.5 million by 2029, marking a 200% increase from the current 7.7 million. Youth participation surged eightfold between 2019 and 2022, while women's involvement doubled. Aon's survey indicates that 65% of companies plan to expand their gig workforce. Gig economy statistics in India find that these jobs could contribute 1.25% to India's $5 trillion GDP by 2025.

In Canada, 28% of adults (8.75 million) engage in gig work, doubling from 2022, with 74% treating it as a side hustle. Economic concerns, including a cost of living rise, drive this trend. However, 51% haven't informed their primary employers, raising income transparency issues. Notably, 63% attribute their gig involvement to the increasing cost of living, according to gig economy statistics in Canada.

Singapore's gig workers and low-income individuals are disproportionately affected by high inflation and interest rates, reveals a recent study of 1.2 million customers in May 2023. With an expense-to-income ratio of 112%, gig economy statistics for Singapore show that gig workers' savings can only cover 1.7 months of expenses, well below the recommended range.

Gig economy statistics in Malaysia find that 25% of the workforce, totaling 3.9 million, engages in the gig economy, primarily e-hailing and delivery services. Fueled by rising inflation, this sector is set to become the largest employment group. The Malaysian government has allocated about $8.5 million in 2023 to benefit 30,000 gig workers.

The gig economy is considerably smaller than earlier believed. The latest gig economy estimates, drawn from the January–March 2022 Labour Force Survey, indicate just under half a million people (463,583) or 1.4% of the total employed workforce in the UK are engaged in gig work. The survey's large sample of 79,561 people provides the most accurate snapshot to date.

UK gig economy statistics show that men are more likely than women to consider the gig economy their main income source. Men make up the majority of people working in transportation services (75%), couriers (79%), and food delivery drivers (71%). The gender difference is less pronounced in manual personal services, where men make up 53% of the workforce.

The LFS (labor force survey) found that 20.3% of gig workers, totaling 93,898, depend on the gig economy. Private hire drivers and couriers (36%) and food delivery workers (30%) are more likely to earn their primary income from gig work, while manual and desk-based services workers (16% and 17%) depend on this form of work less. UberEats research shows only 36% of the workers rely solely on app earnings.

UK ethnic minorities in the UK gig economy make up 38% of private hire drivers, making it the most diverse subsegment of gig workers. This also applies to food delivery drivers (34%) and couriers. On the other hand, only 8% of people providing manual personal services have an ethnic minority background.

Workers with disabilities (29%) are also likely to view gig work as their primary income source compared to those without disabilities (19%). This highlights potential accessibility advantages but underscores risks associated with health challenges. Consideration of the gig economy's interaction with the benefit system is crucial for the disabled on-demand workforce.

A significant 74% of gig economy workers who rely on it as their primary income consider themselves self-employed, showing that they treat gig work as their main occupation. By contrast, only 34% of other gig workers consider themselves self-employed.

The UK gig economy revolves around service-based work, with 53% in desk-based services, 20% in manual tasks, 18% in food delivery, and 12% in courier services. Private hire drivers, accounting for 11%, round out this diverse landscape. Individuals often engage in multiple categories simultaneously, highlighting the multifaceted nature of service-oriented gig work.

Transportation services, often presumed to dominate the gig economy, make up less than half of gig economy jobs in the UK. Only around 10% (52,898 people) of workers are private hire drivers, and around 18% are food delivery drivers. Couriers, numbering 56,649, play a role with potential overlap.

From 2019 to Q1 2023, UK self-employment fluctuated. Pre-pandemic, it peaked at 5 million. During COVID-19, some shifted to employee status, drawn by schemes like furlough. Off-payroll working rule reforms and the Uber case also impacted self-employment. By Q1 2023, self-employment rose to 4.2 million, or around 7.5% of the working population of the UK.

The age distribution in the UK gig economy mirrors the broader workforce, with manual and desk-based service workers skewing slightly younger than transportation roles. UK employment statistics by sector show that couriers feature an older demographic, with 43% aged 50 or above.

In London, gig economy employment accounts for 2.4% of total employment, totalling 115,043 workers. Other UK regions range from 0.8% to 1.8%, with Scotland and the southeast having the lowest proportions of gig workers at 1.8% and 1.5%.

When it comes to gig economy jobs in the UK, 16% of primary income earners want more work hours, versus 12% for others. Overall, 13% of gig workers seek increased hours. Preferences vary with 20% among food delivery workers, 18% among people carrying passengers, 11% among manual service workers, 9% among desk-based service providers, and 6% among couriers.

At the same time, self-employed Britons are twice as likely to say they had issues accessing basic banking services such as savings or current accounts. With many of them relying on apps for work, and without protections that regularly employed people have, gig workers and self-employed people need reliable online banks. The best online banks in the UK solve several common problems: international transfers, savings accounts, and fees for gig workers with irregular income.

The typical part-time Uber driver salary in the UK varies between £16,000 and £35,000 per year. This figure varies based on factors such as peak hours and ride demand. Surge pricing during peak periods can substantially increase earnings, though it may impact passenger demand due to higher fares.

Bookkeeping costs vary based on experience, task complexity, location, and business type. Experienced bookkeepers charge higher rates (average £12.34 to £19.00 per hour). Complex tasks, geographical areas with a higher cost of living, and different business needs can influence costs.

Which food delivery service pays the most in the UK? Stats show that earnings for UK food delivery drivers vary among major services. Deliveroo pays around £14 per hour, using a per-drop model. JustEat guarantees at least minimum wage, averaging £9.78 per hour. UberEats drivers earn around £9.81 per hour with a pay matrix. Hidden costs, like fuel and insurance, impact the overall income of drivers.