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Monday, 14 June 2021

The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work

Dr Uma Rani, Research Department of the International Labour Office, delivers the third annual Work and Equalities Institute lecture.

Event Time
14 Jun 13:00 - 14 Jun 14:00
Event Location
Online
Event Type
Business speakers, Online, Work and Equalities

Technological innovation is transforming every part of our lives. The ability to quickly and cheaply exchange large amounts of data and information has laid the foundations for the rise of the digital economy and digital labour platforms. Businesses and consumers have embraced this transformation in both developed and developing countries, as services and goods are delivered in ways that are cheaper and more convenient. Digital labour platforms are now part of our everyday lives.

This transformation extends to the world of work. Digital labour platforms offer new markets for businesses and more income-generating opportunities for workers, including those who were previously outside the labour market. Such platforms are leading to changes not just to the organization of enterprises and work processes but also the relationship between workers and businesses.

In this talk, Dr Uma Rani will discuss some of the challenges raised, including the impact of digital platforms on traditional businesses and the working conditions of platform workers.

About the speaker

Uma Rani

Uma Rani is Senior Economist at the Research Department of the International Labour Office. She is a Development Economist and has conducted research in informal economy, minimum wages and social policies. Since 2016, her research focuses on transformations in the digital economy, wherein she explores how labour and social institutions interact with public policies and can provide decent working conditions to workers.

She has recently coordinated the publication of the ILO flagship report, World Employment and Social Outlook 2021: The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work.