EU platform workers expect a long wait for full-time rights

Wait for full-time status continues for 5.5 million 'gig economy' workers classified as self-employed as 12 EU states oppose the wording of the EU Platform Workers Directive

App-based food delivery workers and taxi drivers may have to wait longer than expected for the EU Platform Workers Directive that would give them the same protections as full-time workers. Picture: iStock

Full-time employment protections for Europe's gig economy workers are unlikely to be approved anytime soon, as discussions around the EU Platform Workers Directive are making slower progress than anticipated.

The directive seeks to give full-time worker protections to EU-based workers operating via apps for a central platform employer; e.g. app-based taxi drivers and food delivery workers. However, the political discussions around the presumption of employment mean that these gig economy workers will continue to have self-employed status for the time being.