The gig economy is fundamentally changing the structure of traditional employment.

What's this about?

People disagree about whether gig jobs are remaking regular jobs across the whole world of work.

Gig work uses apps to link people who need tasks done with workers.

What supporters say

• Apps now give out tasks, track work, score workers, and may punish them through computer rules.
• These tools can control workers, even when firms call them self-employed.
• Gig workers can often choose when to sign on and when to stop work.
• Gig work can bring extra cash without a set work plan or one boss.

What critics say

• Gig work has not taken the place of regular jobs across most of the world of work.
• Many gig workers get pay only now and then, rather than steady pay each week.
• Apps can shape work hours, task access, and scores, which can cause stress.
• Not all workers have the same view, since some want choice while others need more safe pay.

The bottom line

Gig work changes how some jobs get handed out, watched, and paid.

But the proof does not show that it has replaced regular work across the wider world of work.