casualisation of the workforce

Graph Showing The Increase In Casualisation

• The graph shows the increase in casualisation in the Australian workforce from 1992 to 2008
• Casualisation has increased by 17% in the 15-24 age group
• In total casualisation has increased by 27% across the entire Australian workforce over a period of 16 years

What is Casualisation?

Disadvantages of Casualisation

• Hard for a business to plan for the future as there is no stable workforce
• Businesses are required to pay casual staff more per hour
• Workers are not settled which leads to unproductive work
• Businesses can lose talented and skilled workers that are seeking full time employment

• Casualisation is the reduction in full time or part time employees and an increase in casual employees
• Over the past 16 years casualisation of the Australian workforce has increased by 27%
• There are many positive and negative affects of casualisation on both employers and employees
• As a result there have been many social and economic implications

Implications For Employers

Advantages of Casualisation

• Businesses do not have to pay benefits such as sick and annual leave
• Can reduce expenses by hiring casual employees only when needed
• May improve productivity and efficiency
• Can fire any employees that are under performing without any major costs

• Many employees have low self esteem as they are unable to acquire a full time position
• With casual work comes more intense periods of employment which jeopardises the work/life balance
• There are no benefits such as annual, sick and careers leave which can be very stressful for employees
• Casual workers have greater chances of anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty of employment and income
• Casual workers are often put under more stress to meet deadlines
• Becomes difficult to obtain finance as there is no certainty of employment

Social Implications of Casualisation

Economic Implications

• Greater profits are generated for businesses through reducing wage expenses
• May lead to higher levels of unemployment in the workforce
• Creates greater productivity for businesses which increases profits
• Increased turnover of staff
• Increased Centrelink assistance for low income earners
• Increased long term casualised employment

Implications For Employees

Disadvantages of Casualisation

Advantages of Casualisation

• Do not receive benefits such as sick and annual leave
• There is little to no job security
• No regular working hours/ pay checks
• No stability
• Reduced work/life balance

• Flexible working hours
• Higher pay rate then full time work
• Not locked into a contract
• May lead to permanent work if the employee performs
• Continually meet new people

Causes of Casualisation

• The supply of casual workers has increased significantly amongst certain demographics
• Casualisation increased by 17% in the age group of 15-24 year olds over a period from 1992 to 2008
• This is due to the fact that casual work allows this demographic to balance work, study and family
• Casualisation has also become more popular amongst wokers as it allows them to get their 'foot in the door'

Causes of Casualisation

• Caused by the forces of demand and supply
• Businesses have undergone significant structural change over the past two decades
• Businesses are demanding more casual workers
• 65% of casual workers accepted the positions because full time work was not available
• Businesses demand casual workers because they don't pay non-wage benefits and dismissal is relatively easy

• Casualisation is continuing to rise at a rapid rate in Australia
• There are many positive and negative effects of casualisation on both employers and employees
• The increases in casuaslisation have been caused by the forces of demand and supply from both businesses and households
• Due to casualisation many social implications have arisen that have had profound effects on employees and society
• There are also many economic implications resulting from casualisation that effect households and businesses

Key Findings Table and Conclusion

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/casualising

Interview with Mr Bagnara ( 9th June 2013)

Interview with Mrs. Zollo (9th June 2013)

http://www.anz.com.au/Business/info_centre/economic_commentary/Casualisation_of_workforce_brief_May_04.pdf

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6202.0

www.cascom.com.au

http://wwwdocs.fce.unsw.edu.au/orgmanagement/IRRC/CasualEmploy.pdf

http://www.securejobs.org.au/getattachment/Home/Howe-Inquiry/Submissions/National-Welfare-Rights-Network-Submission.pdf.aspx

Bibliography