14 November 2016: The International Labour Organization (ILO) warned that the rise in non-standard jobs – temporary, short-term and casual employment – is creating an underclass of workers without stable earnings or social protection. The report, titled ‘Non-standard Employment Around the World: Understanding Challenges, Shaping Prospects,’ surveys regional and global trends and provides policy recommendations.

The report highlights that non-standard forms of employment (NSFE) have become more common. For example, two out of three employees in Bangladesh and India are employed on casual terms, while in Australia, one in four employees is casual. The report attributes the rise of NSFE to the global trend for subcontracting or outsourcing of work.

While acknowledging that NSFE allows flexibility and can give workers access to the labor market, the authors warn that these practices are resulting in a loss of worker security and protection, and lack of adequate income for commitments like buying a home. NSFE practices have also affected employers, through their failure to invest in worker training, technology and innovation.

The commonality of NSFE varies widely among countries. In the US, around 10% of workers, especially low-wage workers, are in NSFE. Although there are fewer women than men in the paid workforce, women make up around 57% of part-time employees.

The ILO is calling for: regulation to ensure fair work contracts and avoid abuse; support to enable workers in NSFE to practice collective bargaining; stronger social protection, including minimum work hours and benefits; and policies that will help workers and employers manage social risks and accommodate transitions in relation to family responsibilities. [UN Press Release] [ILO Press Release] [Publication: Non-standard Employment Around the World: Understanding Challenges, Shaping Prospects]