Jobcentres should help disabled and elderly jobseekers to find work in the “gig economy”, a thinktank has said.
Reform accuses the government of not doing enough to support disadvantaged unemployed people and suggests that work coaches at Jobcentres should promote apps such as Uber.
The charity argues that disabled and elderly people are often unable to maintain regular work and could benefit from occasional freelance “gigs”.
Reform is calling for a trial to be introduced when the government replaces its welfare-to-work scheme.
Ben Dobson, a researcher at Reform, said: “The debate around the gig economy is too negative. Whilst there are teething problems for the government to address, it is important that they harness the opportunity it presents for people who can only work flexibly. This is crucial for the wellbeing of millions of jobseekers.”
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Last week the government published the Taylor Report into modern working practices, including the gig economy. The report recommended a new employment category of “dependent contractor” to cover workers who are currently classed as self-employed but get regular work through apps such as Uber or Deliveroo.
A government spokesman said: “Every day our dedicated work coaches provide tailored advice and support to thousands of jobseekers looking for work, whether that’s full or part time. And welfare reforms like universal credit mean it is easier for jobseekers to take on temporary or part-time work.”