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06 August 2021 / Charles Pigott
Issue: 7944 / Categories: Features , Employment
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Nomadland meets the gig economy

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A recent cinema release has shed light on the working conditions of those living within the gig economy—and is a powerful reminder of the issues they face, says Charles Pigott
  • Oscar-winning film Nomadland and its portrayal of working conditions across the Atlantic should strengthen our resolve to address the pressing issues that must be resolved in our domestic labour market.

Nomadland went on general release in the UK on 17 May, made possible by England reaching stage three in its emergence from lockdown restrictions on that day. The story it tells about the life of older itinerant workers in the US provides an illuminating counterpoint to the legal battles over employment conditions in the gig economy being fought on both sides of the Atlantic.

Far from fictional

The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, focuses on the story of fictional character Fern (played by Frances McDormand) who takes to the road out of economic necessity when the gypsum works in her hometown of Empire, Nevada closes down.

However,

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