IT'S a global phenomenon so widespread that a new name has been coined for it: the "precariat".
It describes the millions of people who live a precarious existence of social and economic uncertainty who jump from one short-term contract or piece of casual work to the next.
James Searle hadn't expected to join this group's swelling ranks. But the information technology tutor at Swinburne University is a classic example of a worldwide trend in which Australia has taken an unenviable lead: job insecurity.
Mr Searle has been a sessional teacher at Swinburne since the start of last year he finds out only at the start of each semester how long his services will be required, and for how many hours he will work.
"I'll probably be doing it for the forseeable future," says the 27-year-old database and information systems expert, who is among a group of sessional teachers at the university who run first-year classes.
Often, says Mr Searle, he isn't paid on time and the position's insecurity can make it hard to plan. He acknowledges there are upsides it can be convenient, and there are extra penalty rates.
"But it doesn't count for the things you miss out on, like superannuation," he says.
Once a permanent job was the norm in Australia. But since the 1980s a dramatic decline in full-time employment and a corresponding jump in casual and fixed-term work like Mr Searle's has left up to 40 per cent of the nation both blue-collar workers and white alike in insecure work.
Today at the Melbourne Town Hall, former deputy prime minister Brian Howe will hold the first of two days of public hearings about insecure work, part of a national inquiry into the growth of the phenomenon that the ACTU has run over the past five months.
Mr Howe and the inquiry visited every state and territory, and heard from dozens of workers, community organisations, academics and unions. More than 500 people and groups made submissions.
Many told Mr Howe of their lack of entitlements, their inability to plan, and the constant uncertainty about long-term employment. Mr Howe said that the growth of insecure work had been more pronounced in Australia than overseas.
Industry and employer groups argue that the rise of casual and contract work has given the Australian economy a huge boost over the past few decades. Meanwhile, many employees actually want the flexibility to meet their family responsibilities and lifestyle choices. The community needed the flexibility to achieve economic growth, high levels of employment and increased workforce participation, said Stephen Smith, director of workplace relations at the Australian Industry Group.
The ACTU's inquiry finishes tomorrow. It will produce a report by May.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is the “precariat” and how does it relate to job insecurity in Australia?
The article explains the term “precariat” as a growing group of people living with social and economic uncertainty who move from one short-term contract or casual job to the next. It’s used to describe rising job insecurity in Australia, where many workers no longer have permanent full‑time roles.
How common is insecure work in Australia today?
According to the article, insecure work has risen sharply since the 1980s. As a result, up to about 40% of the nation—across both blue‑collar and white‑collar jobs—now experience casual, fixed‑term or otherwise insecure employment.
What types of employment are considered insecure work?
The article cites casual work, sessional teaching, fixed‑term contracts and short‑term contracts as common forms of insecure work. It gives the example of a sessional IT tutor at Swinburne University who learns each semester how many hours he will work.
How can insecure work affect everyday finances and retirement savings like superannuation?
Workers described in the article say insecure positions can mean late pay, difficulty planning household finances and missing out on entitlements such as superannuation. Those uncertainties make long‑term financial planning harder for affected employees.
Aren’t there benefits to casual and contract work, like flexibility?
Yes. The article notes many employees value flexibility for family responsibilities and lifestyle choices, and casual roles can offer convenience and extra penalty rates. Employer groups argue casual and contract work has supported economic growth, high employment levels and increased workforce participation.
What is the ACTU inquiry into insecure work and who is leading it?
The ACTU has been running a national inquiry into the growth of insecure work, holding public hearings led by former deputy prime minister Brian Howe. The inquiry visited every state and territory, gathered more than 500 submissions and held hearings such as those at Melbourne Town Hall.
What did workers and community groups tell the inquiry about insecure work?
Participants told the inquiry about their lack of entitlements, difficulty planning for the future, and ongoing uncertainty about long‑term employment. These concerns were common themes reported to the ACTU’s hearings.
What outcomes or next steps came from the inquiry that investors and the public should watch?
The article says the ACTU inquiry finishes soon and will produce a report by May. Observers should watch that report and the ongoing debate—employer groups highlight flexibility and economic benefits, while unions and inquiry submissions warn of social and financial risks from insecure work.
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