The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to undertake research into the development of new working trends and patterns, including the phenomenon of what is referred to as “gig” work, and into contingent work more generally in the Irish economy.
I understand that the objective of the research was to ascertain the extra of this phenomenon in Ireland and its prevalence across the different sectors of the economy. Over the past number of years, more sophisticated ICT platforms have facilitated the development of new categories of flexible work relationships and this has been the source of significant commentary. I anticipate that the data from this research will be of significant value to policy makers in terms of informing any future policy initiatives around newer working methods.
I am advised that the ESRI research paper has not yet been made publicly available but understand that it will be published shortly. As this research was commissioned independently by the WRC, I have not yet seen the paper and so am not in a position to comment further at this stage.
As regards the other presentations presented at the WRC seminar entitled, “The World of Work: A Shifting Landscape” on 6th of February 2018, these will be posted on the WRC website at www.workplacerelations.ie this week.