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According to a recent UK study, underemployment is predominantly experienced by women and young workers, who often find themselves working fewer hours, earning lower wages, or not fully utilizing their skills compared to their employment potential or desired work conditions.
Women and younger workers more likely to be underemployed, UK report finds
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A recent research study has shed light on the issue of underemployment in the UK, revealing that women and younger workers are among those most affected. Underemployment refers to working below one’s potential or preference in terms of hours, wages, or skills used in their jobs. This study, titled “Underemployment Levels and Trends: Time, skills, & wages,” is part of a larger project conducted by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with several other universities and organizations.
Findings from the study
The research involved interviews with 60 individuals who self-identify as underemployed, as well as data from various surveys. The first year of findings highlighted several key groups that are more likely to experience underemployment. These include younger workers, minority ethnic workers, those in routine or semi-routine occupations, and those on precarious contracts. Interestingly, the study also found that a slightly higher number of women than men experience underemployment.
Furthermore, the report revealed that wage-underemployment is prevalent in the UK, affecting over a fifth of working men and nearly a third of working women. Younger workers and those in food service industries, as well as managers and professionals, were particularly impacted by wage-underemployment.
The implications of underemployment
Underemployment has far-reaching implications for both workers and the organizations they work for. It can lead to job dissatisfaction, reduced motivation, and limited opportunities for career growth. Understanding underemployment as a multidimensional phenomenon, encompassing insufficient hours, limited use of skills, and low wages, is crucial in designing effective interventions to address this issue in the UK.
Future research and interventions
This initial report is just the beginning of a long-term project that aims to delve deeper into the issue of underemployment. Future reports will explore the combined effects of different aspects of underemployment, such as whether individuals experiencing wage-related underemployment also face skills-related or time-related underemployment.
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of underemployment and its various dimensions, policymakers, employers, and individuals themselves can work towards creating better opportunities and conditions for workers in the UK.
FAQ’s
1. What is underemployment?
Underemployment refers to working below one’s potential or preference in terms of hours, wages, or skills used in their jobs.
2. Who are the most affected groups by underemployment in the UK?
According to the research study, women and younger workers are among those most affected by underemployment in the UK.
3. How prevalent is wage-underemployment in the UK?
The report revealed that wage-underemployment affects over a fifth of working men and nearly a third of working women in the UK.
4. What are the implications of underemployment?
Underemployment can lead to job dissatisfaction, reduced motivation, and limited opportunities for career growth for both workers and the organizations they work for.
5. What are the future plans for research and interventions on underemployment?
This initial report is part of a long-term project that aims to further explore the issue of underemployment. Future reports will delve into the combined effects of different aspects of underemployment and work towards creating better opportunities and conditions for workers in the UK.
Links to additional Resources:
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Trades Union Congress (TUC) Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: Underemployment, University of Nottingham, Office for National Statistics (ONS)Underemployment
Underemployment is the underuse of a worker because their job does not use their skills, offers them too few hours, or leaves the worker idle. It is contrasted with unemployment, where a person lacks a job at all despite wanting one. Examples of workers who may be considered underemployed include...
Read more: Underemployment
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a public research university in Nottingham, England. It was founded as University College Nottingham in 1881, and was granted a royal charter in 1948. Nottingham's main campus (University Park) with Jubilee Campus and teaching hospital (Queen's Medical Centre) are located within the City of Nottingham,...
Read more: University of Nottingham
Office for National Statistics
The Office for National Statistics (ONS; Welsh: Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol) is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial department which reports directly to the UK Parliament.
Read more: Office for National Statistics
