The Trades Union congress has released their research report breaking down the data of insecure work in the United Kingdom, revealing continued growth in the number of UK workers living in uncertainty and exposed to the risks of this psychosocial hazard. This reflects the increase in precarious work seen here in Australia.
TUC’s analysis of the 2024 UK labour market showed that one in eight UK workers are now in insecure work. That’s approximately 4 million people – an increase of more than 57,000 workers each year since 2011. This growth in precarious employment has been mostly in low-paid jobs, meaning that the families having to manage the detrimental impact of work insecurity are those with the least resources.
Insecure work disproportionately affects groups of workers who are already discriminated against in the workplace. TUC’s research shows that in 2024 16.3 percent of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) UK workers are likely to be in insecure work - this compares to 10.8 per cent of white workers. Low-paid industries showing higher rates of insecure work are more likely to be women-dominated industries, such as caring, retail and service industries. These intersecting disadvantages exacerbate the hazards those workers experience and further increase the likelihood of workplace injury.
When workers have little or no access to paid leave or entitlements and are not sure if they are going to have a job the next day, their mental health suffers. Physical or psychological illness that might affect performance or the ability to come to work are often ignored and workers push through knowing that if they don't come to work, they won't get paid. The need to choose between paying the rent and looking after yourself has serious impacts on mental wellbeing, often exacerbating mental illness. Additionally, an inability to plan for the future, take time off and a feeling that one is dispensable, all cause psychological harm.
Insecure work is not just a risk to our mental health – we know that workers who are in precarious employment are often unable to speak up about workplace safety, placing them at higher risk of physical injuries, as well. Research shows that insecure work arrangements lead to a higher incidence/frequency of injuries and fatalities.
Workers in insecure work are understandably reluctant to raise issues of workplace safety or to report incidents and injuries – often they are actively discouraged or penalised for doing so. Organising workers so that they may safely raise their voices about workplace conditions and safety is the most effective way to address this imbalance.
Secure and safe work requires strong unions. Workers in insecure work are understandably reluctant to raise issues of workplace safety or to report incidents and injuries – often they are actively discouraged or penalised for doing so. Organising so that workers can safely raise their voices about workplace conditions and safety is the most effective way to protect those workers.
Read more: The scale of insecure work in the UK | TUC