Irish startup Gigable has partnered with European insurance and benefits platform for the gig economy, Collective Benefits, to extend its worker benefits to include paid leave cover.
Gigable gives the hospitality sector access to gig drivers at short notice. Its customers include The Press Up Group, Bombay Pantry, Platform Pizza and Eddie Rockets.
It said the new benefit aims to help bridge the gap between employment and independent working and help workers remain financially stable in the event of requiring time off work.
Gigable drivers who complete a minimum of 15 "gigs" in a month can now access the paid leave benefit, which covers sickness, injury, as well as family or compassionate leave.
Gigable drivers already had access to benefits, also provided by Collective Benefits, which include digital GP services, mental health support, as well as financial advice and everyday savings on food, fuel and more.
Collective Benefit's market leading claims experience ensures a simplified process, allowing drivers to make a claim in just a few taps on the Gigable app. Once claims are approved, they are paid in five days.
The chief executive and founder of Gigable, John Ryan, said the company want to ensure that gig workers are supported in their choice to be independent and to help more people take the leap.
"Gigable is here to build an equitable gig economy community, so it's vital that workers are not simply treated as commodities but to support them when we can, such as during illness or family bereavement," Mr Ryan said.
"Our partnership with Collective Benefits is helping Gigable achieve our core purpose - to humanise the gig economy. We're thrilled to provide this suite of cover, which is actually more substantial than what is currently offered to many traditional employees," he added.
The CEO of Collective Benefits, Anthony Beilin, said that working in the gig economy is becoming a hugely popular option because of the flexibility it provides.
"We've proved that it's possible not only to enjoy the flexibility that's so important to workers, but also have access to the protections and benefits so greatly needed and deserved. It is important to recognise that the self-employed shouldn't have to choose between flexible work and the financial, physical, and mental support they deserve," he stated.
