Submission to the Australian Senate Select Committee on Job Security on the Impact of Insecure or Precarious Employment on the Economy, Wages, Social Cohesion, and Workplace Rights and Conditions

Abstract

The Australian Senate announced a Select Committee in December of 2020 “to inquire into and report on the impact of insecure or precarious employment on the economy, wages, social cohesion and workplace rights and conditions.” This New Solutions “Document” is a submission to the Australian Senate from independent Australian researchers focusing on the role of perceived job (in)security in this context, acknowledging that it only briefly addresses the role of unemployment, precarious employment, and other aspects of the broader phenomenon of insecure work. Submissions closed in March of 2021, and the Australian Senate is due to report its findings on 30 November 2021.

Perceived job insecurity and risk of suicide and suicide attempts: a study of men and women in the Swedish working population

“…Job insecurity is defined as a subjective perception of the threat of or concern for job loss, it is a widely prevalent psychosocial work stressors associated with stress/distress (7). Job insecurity is likely increasing due to labor market impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic, potentially adding to or compounding other pandemic-related mental health impacts (8). Generally, work stressors, including job insecurity, are assumed to contribute to an increased risk of mental health prob-lems, poor physical health or both, by eliciting elevated levels of stress causing a wear and tear on the bodily stress regulating functions and/or by making individuals more prone to adopt risky health behaviors (9).…”

Laws, Policies, and Collective Agreements Protecting Low-wage and Digital Platform Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…When they remained employed, their jobs often required continuous exposure to the public and the COVID-19 virus. 7 , 13 , 14 …”

“…When they remained employed, their jobs often required continuous exposure to the public and the COVID-19 virus. 7,13,14 Of concern is that, in many jurisdictions, social security systems have not fully protected injured workers who are precariously employed, including multiple job-holders and those with part-time jobs, zero-hours contracts, or classified as self-employed. [15][16][17] Self-employed people are largely not covered by health and employment standards and most precariously employed workers are not covered by collective agreements; altogether, they have little negotiation power.…”

COVID-19: An opportunity to combat the burden of poor mental health in Australian workplaces

“…Prior to COVID-19, these populations were known to be at greater risk of poor mental health; their differential exposure to these COVID-19 induced stressors may compound this situation as well as instigate additional mental health problems. 11 Many of the adverse changes in the nature of work induced by the COVID-19 pandemic may persist, and concerted efforts should be made to monitor and rectify this. An integrated approach with proactive strategies that reduce work stressors, and support mentally healthy work environments, and encourage early help-seeking will be critical for organisations.…”