Study Guides

Unit Summary

Using the example of sustainability, students consider the local economy and its impact on citizens and their local communities.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what the nighttime economy involves and the pros and cons of zero-hour contracts.

Key Notes

• The nighttime economy includes jobs like taxi drivers and takeaway delivery staff working after 6pm in towns and cities.
• The nighttime economy boosts the local economy by increasing spending in hospitality and transport.
• The gig economy, including delivery drivers, provides flexible jobs through apps which are often short-term.
• Many workers in the gig economy are on zero-hour contracts, which allow choice, but offer no guaranteed income.
• Councils like North Lanarkshire are promoting sustainability by encouraging fairer contracts and greener transport.

Vocabulary To Learn

• nighttime economy: businesses and jobs that operate after 6pm, such as bars, nightclubs, restaurants, taxis and late-night deliveries
• gig economy: a job market made up of short-term, flexible or freelance work, often arranged through apps
• zero-hour contracts: work contracts with no guaranteed hours, employees only work when needed and are paid for hours worked

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• There are no advantages to having a zero-hour contract and they are illegal in the UK.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• How can communities improve the local economy? Study Guide
• How can shopping locally and sustainably help the local economy? Study Guide
• How does taxation support the growth of the local economy? Study Guide
• How does the local economy affect our lives? Study Guide
• How have shopping habits transformed over time? Study Guide