Lush, the ethical beauty retailer, has come under fire for allegedly using gig economy platforms to hire freelance workers without basic employment rights during the festive period.
The accusations, presented by trade unions, highlight a growing trend among high street retailers to utilise freelance apps for temporary staffing needs.
According to The Observer, retailers including Lush, Urban Outfitters and Gymshark are turning to platforms like YoungOnes and Temper to manage increased demand during the Christmas season.
These apps connect businesses with freelance workers and charge a fee for every hour worked.
“This is a worrying new development,” said Tim Sharp, Senior Policy Officer for Employment Rights at the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
“It would seem absurd to most people that someone can do a job like working in a shop and not be entitled to basic legal protections.
“There is a big question mark over the employment status of these supposed freelancers.”
Historically, retailers have relied on agency workers to cope with the festive rush.
These workers are entitled to essential employment rights, such as holiday pay, rest breaks and the national minimum wage.
In contrast, gig workers classified as self-employed lack these protections, even as they take on similar responsibilities.
Reports suggest Lush recruited five freelance checkout staff in Liverpool during peak shopping periods.
This has prompted criticism, particularly as gig economy workers are not expected to benefit from upcoming changes to employment rights legislation under the Labour government’s proposed two-part employment framework.
The TUC warns that the rise of gig economy staffing apps could undermine both current and future workplace protections.
Sharp stated: “It is worrying that at the very moment we’re going to see far stronger employment rights, some operators are coming in and seemingly offering employers a way around both existing and new legal protections.”
Cosmetics Business has contacted Lush for comment on these allegations.