Gig economy workers like Uber drivers and Airtaskers are missing out on superannuation, an industry lobby says.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) wants to find ways for workers employed by the likes of Uber, Deliveroo and Airtasker to build their retirement nest eggs.

The current superannuation system does not make employer contributions compulsory for workers earning less than $450 in a calendar month.

ASFA chief executive Martin Fahy the gig economy is just one more sector where independent contractors are being disadvantaged and exploited by employers.

“Workers who already operate under some form of independent work arrangement, such as independent contractors, will migrate onto web-based platforms and new gig economy jobs will be created,” Dr Fahy said.

“The case for change is strong. In the absence of any policy reforms, a growing gig economy would mean lower superannuation balances at retirement.

“This would reduce the broader adequacy of the superannuation and retirement income system.”

ASFA estimates that about 0.8 per cent of the workforce make their living from web-based platforms such as Uber, Deliveroo and Airtasker, and are potentially disadvantaged by missing out on super.

Dr Fahy said super regulations need to cover self-employed workers who might make their living from a number of jobs.

“This is particularly relevant for people who work sporadically and are on low incomes, but also for those who work in the gig economy as a second job,” Dr Fahy said.

“Workers who inhabit this legal 'grey area' are showing growth in worker numbers. This issue will only become more prevalent.”

The lobby’s new discussion paper on the topic is available here.