Tue Sep 17 06:53:11 UTC 2024: ## Unpredictable Pay and Hours Trap Workers in Dead-End Jobs: New Report

**London, UK** – A new report from the Work Foundation warns that unpredictable pay and working hours are trapping employees in insecure jobs, hindering their ability to upskill and find better opportunities. The report, titled “The Insecure Worker: Trapped or Transformed,” found that workers facing erratic schedules and fluctuating pay are often forced to prioritize short-term survival over long-term goals like education or career advancement.

The report highlights the challenges faced by workers in the gig economy and other sectors with non-standard employment contracts. These individuals often struggle to plan their finances, secure childcare, and even attend essential appointments due to the uncertainty surrounding their work schedules and income. One worker interviewed for the report said, “I don’t do a monthly shop any more… I just buy what I need for that week.”

The Work Foundation calls for policy changes to address the issue, including strengthening worker rights, promoting fairer employment contracts, and providing access to upskilling opportunities. The organization argues that these measures are crucial to ensure that insecure work serves as a stepping stone to better opportunities, rather than a trap that prevents workers from achieving their full potential.

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