National policy approach for workers comp and the gig economy published

Generally engaged as independent contractors, gig workers — unlike employees performing the same kind of work — typically do not have access to workers compensation.

Now, Safe Work Australia (SWA) has published a national policy approach for workers compensation and the gig economy. Setting out five principles, the national policy approach is intended to guide development of fair and consistent coverage for gig workers on digital labour platforms.

Informed by consultation with workers compensation authorities, unions, employer representatives, digital labour platforms and gig workers, SWA stated that “the principles provide jurisdictions with the necessary flexibility to implement coverage in a way that accounts for the unique needs and context of individual schemes”.

The national policy approach is available here, via the SWA website.

Image credit: iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.