Gig work is becoming more common in Scotland, yet issues of low pay and unsafe working environment get little attention from policymakers.
Ahead of the Holyrood Election on the 7th of May 2026, delivery workers from Edinburgh collective ROOM launched 5 policies to transform gig work in Scotland.
In this series, we explore how the policies might be widely applied, focusing on the perspectives of migrant workers, who constitute the majority of this growing workforce. We bring together delivery riders, people from academia and grassroots organisers to discuss the best way to implement these demands, whilst offering a reality check from those who work on the frontline.
More and more people rely on digital platforms for work. What is the full extent if the Gig Economy and Scotland? And how do we make sure policymakers finally pay more attention? We are joined by a sociologist and a delivery rider to find out.
For more information check our website. (https://workersobservatory.org/)
Or find us on our socials:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/workersobservatory/)
Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/workersobservatory.org)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workers-observatory/)
28 Apr 2026
Expanded Access to Skills Development
One problem with gig work is that platforms provide no accreditation or certification of skills. While workers are often highly skilled, gig work can be a career dead-end. How can Holyrood include gig and migrant workers in its employability strategy?
For more information check our website. (https://workersobservatory.org/)
Or find us on our socials:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/workersobservatory/)
Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/workersobservatory.org)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workers-observatory/)
24 Apr 2026
Workers Consulted on City Infrastructure
When national and local governments consult on decisions that affect gig workers’ conditions, from cycle lanes to street planning, workers should be consulted. Without input, they lack a voice on decisions affecting their safety. Why does cycling infrastructure often fall short, and how do we improve the process?
For more information check our website. (https://workersobservatory.org/)
Or find us on our socials:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/workersobservatory/)
Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/workersobservatory.org)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workers-observatory/)
21 Apr 2026
Support for Risks, Crises, and Repairs
Platform-based workers face significant risks on the job, including high rates of equipment theft, road accidents, and assaults. For many, a stolen bike or an injury means losing their main source of income for days or weeks. How can local authorities and the Scottish Government support gig workers in such precarious conditions?
For more information check our website. (https://workersobservatory.org/)
Or find us on our socials:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/workersobservatory/)
Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/workersobservatory.org)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workers-observatory/)
16 Apr 2026
Physical Hubs in our Cities
We are joined by a food delivery rider and a grassroots organiser to discuss the importance of physical hubs for marginalised workers and communities.
For more information check our website. (https://workersobservatory.org/)
Or find us on our socials:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/workersobservatory/)
Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/workersobservatory.org)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-workers-observatory/)
GitHub (https://github.com/workers-observatory-edi/)
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