PwC throws spotlight on two tier gig economy with ultra flexible working offer

The firm's 'work when you want' deal is an example of the gig economy working for both employer and employee. Too often it's just the former that benefits

PwC: Firm is offering staff the chance to work when they want

PricewaterhouseCooper’s “work when you want” plan looks like an admirably progressive move from a progressive employer.

In future, when you apply you’ll be able list your skills and preferred work pattern. You may want to work a limited number of months, perhaps so you can take the school holidays off. You may want to work hours that suit the school run. You may want to work two or three days a week as part of a portfolio career.

If you’re the the sort of person the firm wants to attract, it says it will work to accommodate you.

The thinking behind this is clear: Increasing numbers of people are prioritising work life balance and want flexibility from their employers.

Those employers that prove willing to accommodate them stand a good chance of being able to get their hands on bright, highly skilled people. The sort of people a firm like PwC relies upon.

So the plan is motivated by enlightened self interest as much it is a desire to appear cuddly and progressive.

Does this mean the firm is becoming a part of the gig economy? Well yes. But here’s the thing: I’m told people who take advantage of the programme will accrue benefits such as pro rata holiday time, and sick pay, and the other bells and whistles the firm offers to its full time staff.

As gigs go, it’s a pretty good one. It could be seen as an example of how the gig economy ought to work to the benefit of both employer and employee.

However, it also serves to underline its two tier nature, and the two tier nature of Britain.

Gigging for PwC is an entirely different ball game to gigging for, say, Uber. Or Hermes. Or Deliveroo, or any of the string of other gig firms that have been the subject of court cases in recent times, with put upon workers, usually helped by unions, having to battle for basic rights such as the minimum wage, sick pay and holiday pay.

You wouldn’t expect to ever have to worry about those things were you to take up a PwC gig.

Britain desperately needs to fix the second tier because too many people working within it are being exploited.

Wouldn’t it be an excellent use of PwC’s gig workers’ time were they able to come up with some workable suggestions for how to make things better for those in that position.