Alex de Ruyter – författare

The “gig economy” is a relatively recent term coined to describe a range of working arrangements that have previously been denoted as precarious, flexible and contingent. These may include casual workers, temporary agency workers, those on zero-hours contracts and dependent contractors.

This books seeks to get behind the contemporary buzz surrounding the term and provide some theoretical and empirical analysis of the gig work phenomenon. The book seeks to assess more critically some of the rhetorical claims made about gig work and to provide a balanced appraisal of the ramifications for individuals, employers and the economy and society in general of an increasingly insecure workforce. The regulatory framework, in particular, is examined and is shown to have lagged behind crucial developments in the gig economy, with many labour laws still historically rooted to the notion that a worker has to be an employee to be covered by employment rights.

The authors show that in many respects there is nothing new about the gig economy and that its growth in recent years was in some sense predictable. Perhaps its real significance, they argue, is its potential as a business model to “gig-ize” other business operations far beyond relatively low-skilled work. When combined with automation and digitalization, the gig economy presents us with an opportunity to re-evalute our understanding of the nature of work.

The prospect of a transition to Net Zero by 2050 has profound implications for businesses in various industries worldwide. The endeavour necessitates significant changes in production methods, resource allocation, and operational strategies across sectors, compelling businesses to adapt quickly.

In Examining Net Zero: Creating Solutions for a Greener Society and Sustainable Economic Growth, authors delve into economic and political issues tied to climate change and the transition to sustainable systems. They discuss frameworks like ‘Just Transition,’ which ensures fairness in the shift to a sustainable economy for all stakeholders, including workers, communities, and regions affected by shifts towards sustainability and away from industries contributing to environmental degradation. The collection includes seven detailed case studies on corporate environmental initiatives, addressing challenges and progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Authors also cover topics such as the economics and politics of green initiatives, transportation challenges, retrofitting accommodations, the role of localism, and the issues raised by a finite ecology in the face of perpetual economic growth. Through diverse perspectives, the collection offers a comprehensive understanding of climate change and pathways to sustainability.

This edited collection appeals to diverse audiences interested in climate change and sustainability. It offers insights for business leaders navigating the transition to Net Zero by 2050, policymakers seeking practical solutions, researchers analysing empirical evidence, and educators and students exploring the intersection of environmental challenges with economic and societal dynamics.