The rise of “underemployment” in the UK is disproportionately affecting women, younger workers, and those in sectors with staff shortages, such as retail and healthcare.
Workers on zero-hours contracts are struggling to secure sufficient hours, leading to feelings of underutilization and financial strain.
These are the findings of a recent three-year study by UK universities that identifies underemployment as a growing concern.
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It’s particularly impacting women, younger workers, those with lower qualifications, and ethnic minorities.
Catherine, a 44-year-old retail assistant, exemplifies the challenges underemployed workers face.
Despite a year of service, she remains on a 14-hour contract, often working seven to nine consecutive days by volunteering for overtime in neighboring towns.
An intensive care nurse, Lizzy grapples with reduced shifts and financial difficulties.
Similarly, a Teesside University graduate employed by a major supermarket chain struggles to secure more than 16 contracted hours weekly.
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Concerns are also raised over the reluctance of employers to offer permanent, full-time contracts, as observed by Claire, a temporary personal assistant for a finance firm, impacting workforce stability and morale.
The scarcity of suitable full-time opportunities prompts skilled workers like Susie, with a master’s degree in customer service, to juggle multiple jobs, often working three- or four-day weeks due to insufficient available shifts.
Some people are working three jobs
The piecemeal working model is questioned for its sustainability, with workers reevaluating the worth of cobbled-together shifts in different places.
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As demand for labor weakens, job vacancies decline, exacerbating the challenges underemployed people face.
The Office for National Statistics reports a marked decline in earnings growth coinciding with a tougher job market between September and November.
These factors underscore the urgent need for addressing underemployment issues, especially among vulnerable groups, to ensure a more equitable and stable labor market.
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