Precarious platform work, Precarious platform workers? A multi-level approach towards the economic situation of platform workers in Germany

Low pay is considered a key feature of precariousness in platform work. However, previous research has rarely contextualised platform work earnings in workers’ overall economic situation. As most platform workers generate their main income from other employment and workers’ household contexts vary, analysing platform work earnings in isolation draws only half the picture. Based on a quantitative survey among platform workers (n=430) in Germany and distinguishing between different types of platform work, the interplay between platform work earnings, income from other employment and the household income and the effect of socio-demographic variables is analysed. The findings reveal that low earnings in platform work are widespread but usually compensated by other income sources. Still, 12% of platform workers experience multi-level economic precariousness. While academics realise high earnings in platform work, low-skilled workers and migrants are at higher risk of cumulative economic precariousness, indicating a reproduction of inequalities.