Precarious employment experiences and their health consequences: towards a theoretical framework

Publication type
Journal article
Authors
Tompa E, Scott-Marshall H, Dolinschi R, Trevithick S, Bhattacharyya S
Date published
2007 Jan 25
Journal
Work
Volume
28
Issue
3
Pages
209-224
PMID
17429147
Open Access?
No
Abstract

Fundamental shifts in the structure of labour markets, work systems, and employment relations of industrialized countries have outpaced changes in legislative, social and political mechanisms. As a result, a growing number of workers are exposed to precarious employment experiences, which we define as experiences that give rise to instability, lack of protection, insecurity, and social and economic vulnerability. These experiences represent a potentially significant occupational health risk. Our central objective is to develop a detailed framework that outlines the key aspects of work experiences that makes them precarious, and to consider links between these aspects and downstream health effects