Regulation of Platform Work During Pandemic-Era Labour Disruption

Abstract

Background: Policy attention to platform work has increased, yet there is limited empirical clarity on how institutional arrangements influence labour regulation and implementation quality.

Objective: The study evaluated institutional variation in approaches to platform work, with particular attention to accountability, administrative capacity, and labour regulation.

Methods: Survey data were collected from 684 relevant officials, professionals, service users, or regulated actors using measures of implementation quality, capacity, procedural clarity, transparency, and perceived effectiveness. Descriptive and adjusted regression analyses identified correlates of stronger implementation.

Results: Analysis of 672 complete questionnaires on platform work showed that 39% of respondents experienced consistent implementation, while 22% encountered substantial procedural or capacity constraints. Adjusted models linked better implementation to role clarity, staff capability, and availability of formal guidance.

Conclusion: For platform work, the main practical lesson is that formal requirements do not by themselves produce consistent implementation. This means that effective platform oversight depends on translating regulatory duties into clear, monitorable, and consistently enforced procedures.

Study design: survey and regulatory comparison.

Publication history: Originally published in print on 15 June 2021, Volume 1, Article 12. Online abstract record added on 16 September 2026. Full-text PDF will be added when the digital galley is ready.