The Multifaceted Nature of Precarious Work: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an extensive qualitative and quantitative in-depth study of precariousness among working population in Slovenia. Semi-structured interviews of a sample of people engaged in different forms of work and a survey of working population were conducted to identify the impact of the different forms of work on perceived employment and social security, access to skill and voice in the workplace, socio-economic status and future prospect. Our research confirms that implicit precariousness exists in all forms of work, but its magnitude (low, medium or high), depends on the contractual form. The greatest disparities were found in remuneration and working hours, while workers in all forms of work have only modest opportunities for training. The risk of poverty is also unrelated to the form of work and similarly all workers fear taking sick leave. There is also a pessimistic view of future prospects, including retirement. Taking into account the pandemic, which is threatening the wellbeing of millions, an ambitious response of regulatory regimes is required to ensure the best working conditions, training and fairness for all and to do so it is important to thoroughly understand various dimensions of precariousness.