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Artwork for Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election

Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election

David Howard
Gig Economy
Edinburgh
Skills Development
Bike Theft
Road Safety
Delivery Riders
Data Collection
Credential Recognition

Gig work is becoming more common in Scotland, yet issues of low pay and unsafe working environment get little attention from policymakers. Ahead of the Holyrood Election on the 7th of May 2026, delivery workers from Edinburgh collective ROOM launched 5 policies to transform gig work in Scotland. In this series, we explore how the policies might be widely applied, focusing on the perspectives of mi... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes5Founded2 months ago
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Artwork for Gig Workers' Guide to the Scottish Election

Latest Episodes

More and more people rely on digital platforms for work. What is the full extent if the Gig Economy and Scotland? And how do we make sure policymakers finally pay more attention? We are joined by a sociologist and a delivery rider to find out.

For m... more

One problem with gig work is that platforms provide no accreditation or certification of skills. While workers are often highly skilled, gig work can be a career dead-end. How can Holyrood include gig and migrant workers in its employability strategy... more

When national and local governments consult on decisions that affect gig workers’ conditions, from cycle lanes to street planning, workers should be consulted. Without input, they lack a voice on decisions affecting their safety. Why does cycling inf... more

Platform-based workers face significant risks on the job, including high rates of equipment theft, road accidents, and assaults. For many, a stolen bike or an injury means losing their main source of income for days or weeks. How can local authoritie... more

We are joined by a food delivery rider and a grassroots organiser to discuss the importance of physical hubs for marginalised workers and communities.

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Karen Gregory
Sociologist at the University of Edinburgh, affiliated researcher with the Workers Observatory
University of Edinburgh / Workers Observatory
Episode: Proper Picture of the Gig Economy in Scotland
Tejas Abhav
Founder member of the Riders Collective Room
Riders Collective Room
Episode: Expanded Access to Skills Development
Sachin Yadav
PhD researcher studying gig economy systems
University of San Andreas
Episode: Expanded Access to Skills Development
Ian Maxwell
From Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign
Spokes, Lothian Cycle Campaign
Episode: Workers Consulted on City Infrastructure
Kyle Patterson
Courier and cargo-bike delivery entrepreneur
Caddy (cargo bike delivery company)
Episode: Workers Consulted on City Infrastructure
Bojan Karabaliyev
Policy Lead at the Workers Observatory; co-author of the report on Occupational Road Safety in the Gig Economy
Workers Observatory
Episode: Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs
Marion Lito
Research lead at the Workers Observatory; lecturer and social data scientist at the University of Edinburgh
Workers Observatory / University of Edinburgh
Episode: Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Proper Picture of the Gig Economy in Scotland
Q: Karen, can you tell us what gig work means in a broader sense beyond the common image of ride-hailing and food delivery?
Gig work encompasses a wide range of platform-mediated tasks—from home services and care to freelance digital work and short-term rentals—that are connected through apps; the term should be understood as a plural, interconnected set of labor activities rather than a single job type.
Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs
Q: What are the main policy recommendations from your report on road safety for the gig economy?
Improve data collection to capture work-related risks in traffic incidents, make streets safer for cyclists, consult workers on infrastructure, and hold platform companies accountable for risks their workers face.
Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs
Q: What kind of support is available to riders who are victims of theft, assault, or traffic accidents?
Support largely comes from friends and fellow riders; formal on-site support can be slow, and police responses may be delayed, highlighting the need for peer-based emergency apps and faster community response mechanisms.
Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs
Q: Could you tell us a little bit about your experience with health and safety as a gig rider in Edinburgh?
The experience varies, but overall it's flexible as self-employed work; however, safety problems exist like road hazards, theft, and areas that feel unsafe, with delayed police response in emergencies.

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Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Karen Gregory
2. Tejas Abhav
3. Sachin Yadav
4. Ian Maxwell
5. Kyle Patterson
6. Bojan Karabaliyev
7. Marion Lito

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