But research from the Angus Reid Institute shows that millions of people are doing casual or freelance roles
The so called ‘gig economy’ has been growing in recent years and while some see it as a bad things, others believe it offers them the flexibility they desire.
But while Canadians are split on its pros and cons, millions are either working within it right now or have done in the past five years according to the Angus Reid Institute.
Two thirds of respondents to its poll said that the lack of benefits for gig economy workers worries them and 54% are concerned about poor regulations for some workers.
On the plus side, 74% said that income available to willing workers and better control of work-life balance are benefits of more flexible jobs.
Gig economy workers are much more likely to have annual household incomes below $50,000, are far more likely than other segments of the population to be worried about household job security and are less likely to feel that they are on track to have a comfortable retirement.
However, 31% of those who said they have undertaken gig economy jobs in the past five years had household incomes above $150,000.
Millions of workers
The Angus Reid study also found that one-in-five Canadian workers (17%) are currently engaged in the gig economy and the same share has been in the past five years but are not now.
The type of work being performed by freelance workers includes office-based projects – graphic design and computer programming for example - and home-focused roles such as childcare and for-hire handywork.
Busy day at the Institute chatting with media across the country about our latest research. What to make of the 'gig economy' in Canada. Is this a good trend or a bad one? https://t.co/aRHcXQUQ1l pic.twitter.com/oiDRh50hKg
— Angus Reid Institute (@angusreidorg) November 26, 2019
