Willis Towers Watson has entered a joint broking partnership with insurtech Indeez to distribute insurance products for independent workers working with digital platforms in Asia Pacific.

Paris-based Indeez, which has previously created ride-sharing protection programs, will build tailored protection and benefits programs for gig workers in the region.

WTW Head of Corporate Risk & Broking Asia Pacific and Head of Australasia Simon Weaver says the Asia Pacific gig worker community – estimated at 1.3 billion in 2018 – has grown larger during the pandemic. With many workers losing secure jobs or seeking to top-up their income, gaps in protection are “stark,” he says, with many having no guaranteed income, healthcare, retirement planning or sick care.

“The partnership with Indeez will allow us to enable access to their existing protection products within Asia Pacific to the gig workers, and at the same time, enhance and develop new offerings to our shared clients,” Mr Weaver said. “Indeez have a unique offering in Europe, and we are excited to work with them to expand the opportunities into Asia Pacific.”

Indeez says it works with digital platforms to design affordable protection products, including professional liability, accident and income protections.

Indeez CEO Vikas Chhariya said WTW recognised the needs of independent workers and digital platforms as a key sector in society that needed to be urgently addressed, requiring collaboration to build solutions and innovation at scale.

“Digital labour platforms have transformed the world of work and the need to support this growing and influential workforce is vital,” he said.