Unions have raised concerns over high-street retailers hiring gig economy workers without basic employment rights to staff their stores during the busy Christmas season. Major brands like Urban Outfitters, Lush, Gymshark, and Uniqlo are using app-based platforms to recruit “freelance” shop assistants, bypassing traditional agency staffing methods.
Platforms like YoungOnes and Temper are being used to source thousands of gig workers, with job adverts for roles such as sales assistants and checkout staff appearing across social media. Youth influencers with massive TikTok followings are promoting these gig apps to encourage sign-ups.
Tim Sharp, Senior Policy Officer for Employment Rights at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), expressed concerns about the practice:
“This is a worrying new development. Most people would find it absurd that someone can work in a shop but not be entitled to basic legal protections. There is a big question mark over the employment status of these supposed freelancers.”
Retailers Shift From Traditional Workers to Gig Economy Staff
Traditionally, retailers have relied on agency workers to meet the increased demand during November and December. Agency staff are entitled to key employment benefits, including holiday pay, minimum wage, and rest breaks. However, gig workers, categorized as self-employed, do not receive such protections.
Retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Gymshark, and Lush have recently advertised freelance roles through platforms like YoungOnes and Temper. For example:
* Urban Outfitters sought “friendly young people” for freelance sales assistant roles in Stratford, Marble Arch, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, offering £12 an hour.
* Gymshark advertised for 30 freelance shop assistants for its London flagship store.
* Lush requested five freelance checkout staff for its Liverpool location.
* Uniqlo sourced sales assistants for Oxford and London via Temper.
Some companies have gone even further.
Emma Sleep, a mattress manufacturer, stated in a promotional video by YoungOnes that their entire UK store team comprises freelancers. The company’s manager noted, “This approach is definitely the way that hiring is going to go in the future.”
Unions Criticise Retailers for Exploiting Loopholes
Unions have slammed this trend as an attempt to shift financial risks from employers to workers. “It’s about firms being able to flex staff up and down. This clearly passes on risk from the business owner to the individual staff member, and we think that’s unacceptable,” said Tim Sharp of the TUC.
The TUC further warned that this loophole could undermine the Labour government’s upcoming employment rights legislation, including bans on exploitative zero-hour contracts. They cautioned that gig economy hiring practices might become more widespread as businesses seek to evade legal obligations.
“This is happening at the very moment we are introducing stronger employment rights. Some companies are using this as a way to bypass both existing and new protections,” Sharp added.
Government Response and Gig Economy Platforms Defend Practices
The Department for Business and Trade has responded, urging businesses to comply with employment laws and avoid misclassifying workers as self-employed. “Bosses should never deny people their employment rights or avoid their legal obligations by claiming someone is self-employed when they are not. Workers can take these issues to an employment tribunal and may receive significant compensation,” said a government spokesperson.
Despite the criticism, the companies involved maintain that their practices align with legal standards:
* Emma Sleep defended its model, citing the flexibility it offers freelancers while maintaining an adaptable workforce.
* Uniqlo said it hires “independent professionals” during peak periods and is committed to treating all workers fairly.
* YoungOnes highlighted that it operates within UK law, allowing freelancers to negotiate rates and choose their assignments.
* Temper emphasized the autonomy it provides gig workers, noting that its platform even covers loss of earnings through illness for up to 12 months.
Urban Outfitters, Lush, and Gymshark did not respond to requests for comment.
