Precarious work precarious lives: How policy can create more security

Abstract

Precarious work is a complex concept; it is not just about low-waged work (as not all types of precarious work are low-waged), but includes other factors such as the uncertainty of tenure, working hours, and the frequency of pay. In short, it is the unpredictability of income, the instability of employment and the lack of or limited access to social security that makes precarious work ‘precarious’. Therefore, policy interventions must address these issues. This report examines five major policy areas and the scope for policy interventions. These are employment protection, social protection, health, housing, and childcare. These policy areas were identified following four focus group sessions with precarious workers, and 20 interviews with policy experts.