Cambridge colleges accused of exploiting ‘gig economy’ tutors

Nearly half of undergraduate tutorials are delivered by staff who lack proper contracts, research shows

Colleges at the University of Cambridge have been accused of using overworked and underpaid gig economy workers to provide the institution's famous one-on-one tutoring system.

Research by members of the University and College Union found nearly half of undergraduate tutorials, or supervisions" as they are known, are delivered by precariously employed staff who lack proper contracts. One-third of supervisors are postgraduate students or freelancers, including those who have recently completed their PhDs.