A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute provides data on how minimum wage jobs in Ireland compare to higher paid roles across a range of job quality factors beyond just wages.
Analyzing data from national labour force surveys, the research indicates minimum wage employees face a “double disadvantage” – on top of lower pay, their employment terms and conditions also lag across many other dimensions.
Compared to those earning above the minimum wage, minimum wage workers were found to have less job security, with higher rates of temporary contracts and fears of losing their job. They have far lower union membership rates and less flexibility to work from home.
Minimum wage employees also tend to work longer, weekend shifts. Their skills are more likely to be underutilized for their role. And they receive less workplace training as well as having lower job complexity and computer usage.
However, there are some areas where minimum wage jobs offer more desirable flexibility in choosing colleagues and work hours. And bosses were viewed as better at promoting teamwork.
This research highlights that ensuring minimum acceptable standards across factors beyond minimum pay is crucial if employers, employees and policymakers are to create an equitable Irish workforce.
Read the full report here.
The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is to advance evidence based policymaking that supports economic sustainability and social progress in Ireland. ESRI researchers apply the highest standards of academic excellence to challenges facing policymakers, focusing on 10 areas of critical importance to 21st Century Ireland.
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