The European Commission has published a report focusing on the growing trend of digital employment platforms across the European Union (EU). This report estimates the different trends and factors feeding into the rise of these platforms and what it means for employment across the EU. 

Online platforms drive innovation and growth in the digital economy. They play an important role in the development of the online world and create new employment opportunities. They help bring together workers and employers and can help ease a number of labor-market dysfunctions by more effectively connecting individuals with work opportunities. 

The report found that one in every ten adults has already used online platforms at least once to provide services. While for the majority it remains a sporadic source of secondary income, 2% of the adult population work more than 20 hours a week or earn at least half of their income via online labour platforms. Among the countries in the study, the UK has the highest share of people working primarily through digital platforms (4.3%). Malta was not included in the survey. 

In order to further adapt to this new reality, the Commission has proposed a Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions.