Webinar: Digital labour platforms—Bridging economic development and worker protection

Digital labour platforms are a growing form of work, offering new opportunities for income generation but also posing challenges to achieving universal social protection (SDG 1) and decent work for all (SDG 8). The first webinar in the series on Social Protection and the Platform Economy, organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) underscores the importance of shaping policies that balance economic growth with worker protection in the rapidly evolving platform economy.

The digital labour platform economy is transforming labour markets and economic structures globally. Digital Platforms contribute significantly to GDP in many countries, with recent studies estimating the global value in 2023 to be worth 455 billion US dollars. These platforms offer new income-generating opportunities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, being attractive drivers of economic and social transformation. However, the lack of adequate labor and social protections for platform workers presents significant challenges. It is estimated that both location-based and online platform workers present low rates of social protection coverage.

This first webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the platform economy’s development, exploring its potential as a driver of economic growth while examining the inherent challenges it poses, particularly in terms of labour rights and social protection. Discussing how governments can harness the platform economy’s potential while addressing the regulatory gaps to safeguard workers’ rights.

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