A number of Japanese businesses, including staffing firm Tsunagu Holdings, announced that they formed an organisation to protect the rights of gig workers amid a rise in their numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Japan Today. Founded in late January, the Japan Spot Work Association will set up helplines and create ground rules for the industry, as gig workers are considered self-employed and therefore not guaranteed minimum wage or employment insurance under current labor laws. Other companies involved include messaging app provider Line Corp, Sharefull Inc, HR Solutions Corp and Wakrak Inc. Gig workers are often employed through recruitment intermediary groups and undertake a wide range of one-off jobs. A recent increase in their numbers was spurred by a rise in popularity of food order and delivery services amid the pandemic. However, there have been a number of instances in which their working conditions, such as wages and hours, differ from what was stipulated in a job description.

“We will endeavor to create an upstanding industry," Mitsuhiro Yoneda, CEO of Tsunagu Group and director of the association, said.