Gig economy stories

The Real World rolls out expert-approved Campus Graduation Certificate to prove practical skills, as employers question the value of AI training.

Humanforce broadens frontline labour platform with Connect, uniting agency management, private marketplaces and contingent workforce orchestration.

Agoyu secures patent for AI-powered moving app that scans video inventories, matches licensed movers and returns quotes in minutes.

PayPal brings payment links into Canva for 265 million users, letting creators, entrepreneurs and small firms sell from designs with QR codes and checkouts.

Thunes has won the Best Cross-Border Payment Solution award at the MPE Awards 2026 after judges praised its global reach, FX pricing and compliance platform.

Tide adds easy access cash ISA with 3.25% variable AER for sole traders, letting self-employed users save tax-free and withdraw funds instantly.

Gumtree introduces verified badges and stricter checks for business sellers in the UK, aiming to boost user trust and deter fraud.

EarnIn says US workers have made over 1m Live Pay transactions since July 2025, underscoring rising demand for real-time access to wages.

Gym booking app SPORTL launches in London after GBP £250,000 pre-seed, offering pay-as-you-train access at 50 studios with no memberships.

Employers plan to cut junior hiring as AI expands, leaving most staff feeling unprepared for rapid shifts in work and skills demand.

London's Sessions hits 5m delivery orders as its 400-plus virtual kitchens offer embattled independent restaurants a lower-cost growth route.

Digital marketplaces are empowering UK women to turn side hustles into scalable brands, bypassing traditional funding bottlenecks.

On-demand laundry platform Laundryheap has expanded into Colombia, Mexico, Malaysia and Scotland, as it accelerates its global rollout.

UK restaurants plan fresh tech investment for 2026, betting most heavily on online ordering and delivery ahead of AI and smart kitchens.

Monzo launches a free in-app tax tool for sole traders and landlords as Making Tax Digital rules tighten ahead of phased rollout from 2026.

Families are turning to digital live‑in care platforms as more older people miss out on council-arranged support, especially in rural areas.

Sapia.ai debuts Phai, an AI chat coach designed to help workers rethink careers, build confidence and navigate changing job markets.

Doorly secures GBP £600,000 to accelerate its shift from barber-booking app to nationwide on-demand home services marketplace.

GoCab secures USD $45m in equity and debt to expand gig driver vehicle financing and electric mobility across Africa and emerging markets.

TerraPay partners with MilX to speed cross-border payouts, giving YouTube creators faster local-currency access to earnings in 70+ markets.