The freelance-based gig economy is booming – there are now more than 30,000 Uber drivers in London, while major retailers like John Lewis and Next have goods delivered by courier firm Hermes, which uses 10,000 couriers. And it's not all about logistics either – from web developers to accountants, management consultants to lawyers, a whole range of professionals and technicians are increasingly likely to be gig-economy workers.

The gig economy hasn’t exactly had the best of press. In fact the model, in which people pick up work on a job-by-job basis, usually through an app or online platform, has barely been out of the spotlight lately: Uber has been subject of court cases and protests for its treatment of workers, who don’t have the same rights as regular employees, while food delivery firm Deliveroo caused consternation for popping a clause into its contracts banning workers from contesting their self-employed status at employment tribunals.