Who started in insecure work
Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 3:22 am
The unpredictable nature of Jessica’s work mirrors the wider systemic issue highlighted in the data. Insecure work’s financial precarity often prevents workers from acquiring the skills or stability needed to pursue better opportunities. Moreover, switching sectors— which we found is a key factor in escaping insecure work—becomes particularly challenging for individuals like Jessica, who need flexible arrangements to manage family responsibilities.
Figure 1: Employment status of workers in 2021/22,
Figure 1 - shows the change in the work india rcs data of people in Insecure work in 2017/18 to their current work situation in 2021/22. In 2021/22 secure work accounts for 39.6%, insecure 44%, involuntary worklessness 9.5 and other 7%.
Source: Work Foundation calculations of weighted Understanding Society data Waves 9-13
Getting out of the sector to escape insecurity
Sectoral mobility is a critical factor in helping workers transition to secure roles. Sectors like social care and retail—where jobs are often temporary or short-term—pose significant barriers to progression. In Jessica’s case, despite having the qualifications to work in mental health support, she had to step away from her chosen career to find a role that accommodated her caregiving responsibilities.
Figure 1: Employment status of workers in 2021/22,
Figure 1 - shows the change in the work india rcs data of people in Insecure work in 2017/18 to their current work situation in 2021/22. In 2021/22 secure work accounts for 39.6%, insecure 44%, involuntary worklessness 9.5 and other 7%.
Source: Work Foundation calculations of weighted Understanding Society data Waves 9-13
Getting out of the sector to escape insecurity
Sectoral mobility is a critical factor in helping workers transition to secure roles. Sectors like social care and retail—where jobs are often temporary or short-term—pose significant barriers to progression. In Jessica’s case, despite having the qualifications to work in mental health support, she had to step away from her chosen career to find a role that accommodated her caregiving responsibilities.