THE effects of a ‘gig economy’ and its effects on ordinary people is the topic of a new Ken Loach film in Bangor.

A thought provoking discussion is set to be held following a showing of the film at Pontio.

A ‘gig economy’ generally refers to a labour market which features short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to more stable, permanent employment.

The film follows the true to life story of a working family for whom the system is set up against them.

Hoping that self-employment can solve their financial woes, a hard-up UK delivery driver and his wife struggle to raise a family.

They find themselves amid the throes of uncertain hours, isolation and paucity of time, working at the mercy of companies using computers to control the daily grind.

‘Sorry We Missed You’ has been out nationally since November 1 and has received rave reviews.

It has been mooted to be a film everybody should see before deciding how to vote.

The film is on at Pontio, every day at 5.30pm and 8.15 pm. between Friday, November15 and Thursday, November 21.

There is also a subtitled showing on Monday, November 18, at 5.30 pm, and a 2pm, on Wednesday, November 20.

The Bangor and Ynys Môn Peace and Justice Group has organised a panel discussion following the 8.15pm showing, at Pontio, on Thursday , November 21.

The Peace and Justice Group has been working alongside Bangor University’s UCU Union to host a panel of experts for the Q&A.

The panel includes Dr Louise Prendergast, whose recent PhD explored the discourses and experiences of work and welfare, looking at issues of precarious employment, welfare and government responses.

She is particularly interested in the theoretical concept of ‘valorisation of work’ within policy and practice, and how this can obscure realities of work-related stress, low pay, and precarious working conditions.

Dr Hefin Gwilym is a lecturer in social policy at Bangor University.

He currently supervises PhD students in the areas of welfare and carers’ experiences.

He teaches topics within modules concerning housing, world poverty and inequality. He also currently supervises PhD students with regards to welfare and carers’ experiences. Hefin is also a qualified social worker.

Dr Dave Beck is a lecturer in social policy at the University of Salford. He completed his PhD at Bangor University in 2018, looking at the impact of poverty following the Welfare Reform Act (2012) and how this created instability for the people of Wales.

His work also focused on mapping food banks and accurately identifying the number of food banks across Wales.

His current research looks at the influence of Universal Credit and peoples’ use of food banks across Greater Manchester.

The panel will also be joined by Nathan Jarvis from the Bangor foodbank sector.

Unions are also helpign to promote the film, notably the Communications Workers Union, CWU, funding members of its postal staff to watch the film.