"UK retailers accused of recruiting young shop workers without rights over Christmas," 15 December 2024

...The Observer has found large brands, including Urban Outfitters, Lush, Gymshark and Uniqlo, are recruiting “freelance” shop assistants through gig apps to staff their stores during the busy festive period...

Traditionally, shops have brought in agency workers, who are entitled to basic employment rights such as holiday pay, the national minimum wage and rest breaks, to cope with increased footfall in November and December. But some retailers are now hiring gig workers, who are not covered by most employment protections, as they are deemed in law to be their own boss.

Many of the gig workers are sourced from app-based platforms such as YoungOnes and Temper, which have registered thousands of UK-based freelancers in recent years. These platforms charge shops a flat fee for every hour worked by their pool of freelancers...

Some retailers, meanwhile, staff their entire stores with freelancers. The manager of mattress manufacturer Emma Sleep’s first UK shop said in a promotional video released by YoungOnes that her team is composed of “only freelancers”...

The TUC warned the loophole could be exploited by more businesses in the future...

The government is planning to consult on a simpler two-part employment framework, which differentiates between workers and the genuinely self-employed...

Emma Sleep said it was confident its work arrangements aligned with legal standards. The German company said its approach allowed it to “maintain a lean and adaptable workforce, while offering freelancers freedom and flexibility to choose their schedules and assignments”.

Uniqlo said it supplemented its team with “independent professionals” during peak times. It saidit was committed to treating all workers fairly and in compliance with employment laws.

YoungOnes said it operated in accordance with UK law. It said it connected businesses with self-employed professionals, who are free to negotiate hourly rates and choose who they work for.

Temper said it was proud to provide a platform that empowers independent contractors with flexibility, autonomy and competitive rates, with the loss of earnings through illness covered for up to 12 months.

Urban Outfitters, Lush and Gymshark were all approached for comment, but did not respond.