As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Contra is an online community that aims to improve the way freelancers find work and build professional connections and relationships. There are more freelance workers in the US than ever before – as the gig economy evolves, they’re looking for platforms that provide control and security.

A Gallup poll reveals that public support for unions in the US has climbed to a 56-year high. And while membership remains low, Gen Zers and younger Gen Yers are leading the way in greater union organizing efforts as they push back against their work arrangements.

UnderPinned is a London-based support network built by freelancers for freelancers. The digital platform caters to the city’s burgeoning self-employed community by providing an accessible one-stop-shop covering every aspect of career management, from emotional wellbeing to daily admin.

Bectu, the trade union for the creative industries, has announced it will welcome fashion assistants and freelancers into its fold. As widespread redundancies push more people into the gig economy, workers are seeking greater protections within non-traditional employment structures.