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Accidental flexicurity or workfare? Navigating ride-share work and Australia’s welfare system

Author

Listed:
  • Alex Veen

    (The University of Sydney, Australia)

  • Tom Barratt

    (The University of Western Australia, Australia)

  • Caleb Goods

    (The University of Western Australia, Australia)

  • Marian Baird

    (The University of Sydney, Australia)

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores the intersection of the ‘gig’ economy and welfare state in Australia, exploring how ride-share work has provided a pathway into paid work for three traditionally disadvantaged groups: individuals with disability, with caring responsibilities, or aged 45 and over. It examines these workers’ motivations for the work and explores how the welfare system shapes their experiences. The study finds push factors, such as past labour market discrimination and limited alternatives, and pull factors, like the relative flexibility of the work, which allows for the accommodation of planned and unplanned absences, are driving individuals into the ‘gig’ economy. The authors identify a duality about these experiences. On the one hand, the work represents a de facto form of ‘workfare’. On the other, the welfare system is cushioning the work’s job and income insecurity, providing individuals with flexibility and security unavailable elsewhere, an unintended policy outcome the authors label ‘accidental flexicurity’.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Veen & Tom Barratt & Caleb Goods & Marian Baird, 2024. "Accidental flexicurity or workfare? Navigating ride-share work and Australia’s welfare system," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(3), pages 766-793, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:45:y:2024:i:3:p:766-793
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X231197057
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ian Clark & Chris Lawton & Clifford Stevenson & Tom Vickers & David Dahill, 2022. "A ‘place-based’ approach to work and employment: The end of reciprocity for ordinary working families and ‘giggers’ in a place," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(2), pages 634-657, May.
    2. Anthony Rafferty, 2020. "Skill Underutilization and Under-Skilling in Europe: The Role of Workplace Discrimination," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 34(2), pages 317-335, April.
    3. Rae Cooper & Bradon Ellem, 2008. "The Neoliberal State, Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining in Australia," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 46(3), pages 532-554, September.
    4. Andrew E. Clark, 1996. "Job Satisfaction in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 34(2), pages 189-217, June.
    5. Ton Wilthagen & Frank Tros, 2004. "The concept of ‘flexicurity’: a new approach to regulating employment and labour markets," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 10(2), pages 166-186, May.
    6. Thelen,Kathleen, 2014. "Varieties of Liberalization and the New Politics of Social Solidarity," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107679566, November.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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