AN IKEA-owned company which connects residents with local 'taskers' has launched in Oxford.

The TaskRabbit platform aims to help locals complete everyday jobs such as furniture assembly, home repairs, shopping and cleaning.

TaskRabbit did not say how many jobs or casual work the move was likely to create in the city, but did claim that its average hourly rate was around £24.

However, similar initiatives offering 'on demand' work in the gig economy have been criticised for a lack of job security and regular income.

The San Francisco-based company was launched in London at the end of 2013 and acquired by IKEA last year.

Its Oxford launch earlier this month coincided with a rollout in various other English and Welsh cities at the same time, ahead of moves into Scotland early next year.

Richard Laughton, Chair of Sharing Economy UK, said: "The sharing economy brings considerable value to the UK and we're excited to welcome TaskRabbit's growth.

“The expansion and growth of platforms in UK regions helps provide increased opportunities for more people to get involved.”

UK director Cornelia Raportaru added that she has been enthused by the response to the company’s move to this country and that it aimed to ‘make everyday life easier for even more people’.