2018年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Online_Talent_Platforms_Labour_Market_Intermediaries_and_the_Changing_World_of_Work_124页_2mb

Summary of the Report: Online Talent Platforms, Labour Market Intermediaries and the Changing World of Work

Core Content

This report, prepared by CEPS and IZA for the World Employment Confederation-Europe and UNI Europa, explores the development of the online talent platform economy and its implications for the labour market, comparing it with traditional temporary work agencies. The study is part of the European Sectoral Social Dialogue on temporary agency work and was launched in May 2018.

Main Points

• Online Talent Platforms are defined as digital work platforms that enable peer-to-peer intermediation, allowing users to access temporary services through the platform. Labour suppliers on these platforms are individuals offering their services, often classified as self-employed.

• Temporary Work Agencies are governed by Directive 2008/104/EC and are more regulated than online platforms. They provide temporary agency workers with employment contracts and are subject to a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes EU and national laws.

• Size and Structure:

  • Online talent platforms represent approximately 0.05% of total EU employment, though 17% of Europeans are involved as users or suppliers.
  • Temporary agency work accounts for 2.5% of the EU workforce and is more established.
  • The online talent platform economy is more heterogeneous, with diverse business models and varying employment statuses, while temporary agency work is more standardized.

• Regulatory Framework:

  • The online talent platform economy lacks a unified regulatory framework, leading to uncertainty and potential legal grey areas.
  • Temporary work agencies are subject to a well-defined regulatory system, including the 2008/104/EC Directive and other EU and national regulations, ensuring similar rights as permanent employees.

• Social Protection:

  • Access to social protection is a major concern for online talent platform workers due to unclear employment status.
  • Temporary agency workers generally have clear access to social protection, similar to permanent employees, but may face issues with effective access due to eligibility thresholds.

• Training and Skills Development:

  • Training access is limited for online talent platform workers, with few platforms offering formal training programs.
  • Temporary agency workers have access to training comparable to permanent employees, often through collective agreements and training funds.

• Labour Market Effects:

  • Both online platforms and temporary agencies are seen as promoting flexibility and reducing barriers to entry in the labour market.
  • However, the impact on undeclared and informal work is not well understood, especially for online platforms due to a lack of data.
  • Temporary agency work has been shown to contribute to the formalization of work and support transitions from unemployment to employment.

Key Information

• Methodological Challenges:

  • There is a lack of conceptual clarity and empirical data on online talent platforms, making analysis difficult.
  • The study highlights the need for more comprehensive and systematic data collection to better understand the platform economy and its socio-economic impacts.

• Comparison with Temporary Work Agencies:

  • While both models offer flexibility and opportunities for new entrants, they differ significantly in terms of regulatory frameworks, employment status, and access to social protection.
  • Hybrid models that combine elements of both platforms and agencies are emerging, blurring the lines between them.

• Policy and Social Dialogue:

  • The report emphasizes the importance of a level playing field and the need for social partners to engage in dialogue to address the challenges of the new work forms.
  • The European Pillar of Social Rights highlights access to social protection as a key policy priority.

• Conclusion:

  • The online talent platform economy is growing rapidly but remains under-researched.
  • A lack of data and conceptual clarity hampers comparative analysis.
  • The study underscores the importance of continued monitoring, transparency, and data collection to better understand and regulate these new forms of work.

Structure of the Report

1. Introduction

   • Overview of the changing world of work and the role of online platforms and temporary work agencies.
   • Definitions and conceptualisations of the two models.

2. Size and Structure

   • Analysis of the scale and composition of both sectors.
   • Comparison of their characteristics and workforce demographics.

3. Regulatory Frameworks

   • Examination of the legal and regulatory environments for both sectors.
   • Differences in regulation and implications for workers.

4. Access to Social Protection

   • Discussion of the challenges faced by online talent platform workers and temporary agency workers in accessing social security benefits.

5. Access to Training

   • Analysis of training opportunities for both groups and the role of social partners in promoting skills development.

6. Labour Market Participation and Transitions

   • Exploration of the potential for both models to support employment and reduce informal work.

7. Conclusions

   • Summary of findings and recommendations for future research and policy development.

Acknowledgements and Funding

• The report was supported by the European Union and acknowledges the contributions of the Steering Committee, WEC-Europe, UNI Europa, and participants in the Stakeholder Workshop.

Authors and Institutions

• The report was authored by a team from CEPS and IZA, including Karolien Lenaerts, Zachary Kilhoffer, Willem Pieter de Groen, Romain Bosc, Nicolas Salez, and Werner Eichhorst, Margard Ody, Nikos Askitas, and Nicolas Meys.

Appendices

• Appendix A: Unions and worker organisations for labour suppliers, by country.
• Appendix B: Additional case studies.

Overall Implication

The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the online talent platform economy and its effects on the labour market. It calls for more research, data collection, and policy development to ensure fair treatment and adequate social protection for workers in both sectors.