6] Instead of being paid a regular salary, gig workers are paid for individual gigs performed.[
The gig economy is the economic system by which a workforce of people (known as gig workers) engage in freelance and/or side-employment.[1] The gig economy is composed of corporate entities, workers and consumers.[2] The Internal Revenue Service defines the gig economy as "activity where people earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods", noting that the activity is often facilitated through a digital platform such as a mobile app or website and earnings may be in the form of "cash, property, goods, or virtual currency".[3] According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, the digital platforms or marketplaces connect individual service providers directly to customers for a fee.[4] The BBC presented the following definition for the term: "a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs".[5] The term "gig" comes from the slang term for individual appearances by performing artists like musicians and comedians.[6] Instead of being paid a regular salary, gig workers are paid for individual gigs performed.[5]