Editor's note

Monday morning traditionally marks the start of the working week. Of course, there are many who have been toiling away over the weekend in healthcare, hospitality, and security, whose jobs do not obey the rules of the calendar that others enjoy.

And then there are those who work in the “gig economy” whose employment appears to lack any rules or benefits whatsoever. This is the harsh existence examined in Ken Loach’s latest film, Sorry We Missed You.

It tells the story of a family struggling with the strains of poorly paid, insecure work – a daily grind of immense pressure, financial uncertainty and degrading conditions. And the renowned director’s take on the issue rings true, says Robert MacDonald.

His own research into the gig economy reveals that despite certain politicians’ claims that this type of work provides freedom, flexibility and “excitement”, we should all be aware that the reality is grim.

Staying with work, we also look at the history of commuting beneath the ground in London, while a philosopher explains the latest thinking in the science of consciousness.

Luke Salkeld

Commissioning Editor

Top stories

Ricky, from Sorry We Missed You. Joss Barratt/Sixteen Films

Ken Loach’s new film on the gig economy tells exactly the same story as our research

Robert MacDonald, University of Huddersfield

Flexibility is just a euphemism for exploitation.

Fashion has changed a lot more than the tube since 1906. Wikipedia

Five ways commuting on the London Underground has and hasn’t changed in the last century

James Fowler, University of Essex

It's hotter and more crowded on the Underground but some things have got better for commuters.

MRI scan of the brain. MRIman

Science as we know it can’t explain consciousness – but a revolution is coming

Philip Goff, Durham University

One day we will have a science of consciousness, but it won’t be science as we know it today

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