Brisbane-based Gig economy insurer Roobyx will open a London office by the end of this year as it builds on its growth in the Australian market.

The gig economy describes the growing trend for workers to have several jobs as companies increasingly employ them in short-term and temporary positions.

“The UK gig economy dwarfs Australia’s and providing protection for the thousands that work in it is a real priority for platforms,” Roobyx co-founder and director Noel Nosworthy says.

“Most providers do not have insurance packages specifically for gig economy workers but Roobyx was created solely to provide for those workers.”

Roobyx, which is underwritten by Lloyd’s, recently joined forces with online jobs marketplace Airtasker to offer income protection insurance for freelancers using the site.

The company says it is in talks with several other platforms and is in the process of raising $US5 million ($6.4 million) to fund further overseas expansion and the rollout of further products, including superannuation later in the year.

Insurance is issued through YourCover, a related company owned by Mr Nosworthy.