Author: Dr. Wolfgang Spiess-Knafl

Supported by Neos Lab

Year: 2018

This report discusses the platform economy and how platform workers should be insured to protect them against risks. According to the latest figures, 2.3% of Europe’s working-age population receive significant income from platform work while most of them have no social security protection such as maternity or unemployment benefits. This report follows the argument that a new form of work needs new protection mechanisms. To this end, the author proposes a model for an “Ecosystem Fund” which would cover workers within the platform economy. This innovative approach couples unemployment benefits with skills development and could be possibly expanded to other segments of the working population.