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Publication

Living with uncertainty: the social implications of precarious work

Author: Alicja Bobek, James Wickham, Sinéad Pembroke

• work
• unemployment
• social rights

Insecure or precarious working conditions can have a negative effect on physical and mental health. That’s one of the findings of a new report from FEPS and TASC. Stress, depression, anxiety and social isolation were commonly reported by participants in the study. 

The majority of participants in the study revealed that they went to work when they were ill, which often prolonged their illnesses. Many precarious workers do not get paid sick leave and therefore cannot afford to take time off work.

The report identifies three main types of precarious employment in Ireland: part-time work with variable hours (‘if-and-when’ contracts), temporary work and solo self-employment. It explores trends across various sectors of the economy including human health, transportation and storage, education, construction, accommodation, administration and support.

Read the report