People who are working part time for online platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber and Werkspot are less bothered about the working conditions associated with them than people who depend on the work for a living, research by SCP socio-economic think tank had shown.

Flexibility is the main reason why platform workers are prepared to put up with limited job security, rapidly changing working conditions, and lower average wages, the SCP is quoted as saying by website Nu.nl.

Online platforms are seen as a good way of making extra money, for instance by students and could also provide an easier route to work for people with a migrant background, the SCP said.

Nevertheless, the SCP said, people who do relatively simple jobs as their main source of income are harder hit by factors such as the limited job security and lack of training offered by online platforms.

The gig economy, particularly meal delivery services, have been under fire in the Netherlands by unions for not offering workers insurance and more job security.

The formal report is due to be published on Friday.