Gig employment outpaces labour safeguards in China

Significance

The employment market is dominated by online platforms, not just job search apps, but transport and services platforms that link gig workers to customers. Indeed, the government expects the digital economy to play a key role China’s 14th Five Year Plan (2021-25) in terms of driving growth, consumption and employment.

Impacts

• Employment for women in the digital economy will be disproportionately low-paid.
• Young workers will face relatively higher rates of unemployment and under-employment.
• Workers in the digital economy will organise themselves to defend their interests but risk arrest and detention.