Dr Aaron Cheng at the panel.
On Wednesday 7 May 2025, Dr Aaron Cheng, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, participated in a panel discussion at the Houses of Parliament on protecting gig workers in the age of AI.
Dr Cheng was invited to contribute to panel convened by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He joined Members of Parliament, academics from institutions such as the University of Cambridge, as well as industry leaders and policy experts.
The discussion, based on IOSH’s recent survey and report, focused on two key questions:
- How can we ensure that gig and platform workers are treated fairly and that their work aligns with decent work standards?
- What are the risks of algorithmic management in gig work, and how can we ensure transparency, fairness, and worker autonomy in decision-making processes?
In response to these questions, Dr Cheng emphasized that rather than forcing gig work into outdated employment categories, the focus should be on developing modern labour standards that uphold workers’ dignity, ensure security and expand opportunities for upward mobility — without holding back innovation.
He also argued that to create a platform economy that works for everyone, we need to build systems that are transparent, contestable, and governed in the public interest.
"It was a truly fascinating discussion", Dr Cheng said, "and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. The event was a great example of public and policy engagement that LSE encourages and values."
Dr Cheng’s contributions, drawing on his research and teachings on AI management and labour movements in the gig economy, were recognised by IOSH's Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager as a valuable addition to the overall discussion.
Dr Cheng was invited to contribute to the panel following his recent publication of research on the topic, Skill-Biased Technical Change, Again? Online Gig Platforms and Local Employment in Information Systems Research, and articles he has written on the subject, It’s Time We Recognised How The Gig Economy Is Stimulating Entrepreneurialism, in Forbes.
Wednesday 14 May 2025