Upskilling for gig workers poses different problems needing different solutions

JOB stagnation in platform work – whether driving a taxi or private-hire vehicle or delivering food – is becoming a problem in some markets. While Singapore has taken steps to strengthen platform-worker protections, more needs to be done to boost job mobility in the long term, through paid training schemes and better working conditions.

Platform workers are often more vulnerable than other workers because they cannot find other jobs, or require flexible hours due to caregiving or medical needs.

In a survey of 958 ride-hailing drivers last year, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) found that job mobility was a significant concern. Nearly half – or 46 per cent – said they could not find other kinds of suitable work due to personal reasons, such as caregiving responsibilities.