Many employed men and women now hold self-employed, part-time or temporary jobs, a trend which has been increasing since the 1970s. This book examines the implications for employers, individuals and households of these changes, citing the lack of fringe benefits, job security and employment rights.

Many employed men and women now hold self-employed, part-time or temporary jobs. Such jobs have been increasing since the 1970s. This book examines the implications for employers, individuals and households of this development. The lack of fringe benefits, job security and employment rights for these flexible jobs are described as well as the effects on the mental health of individuals. The view that flexible jobs are necessary for an efficient economy is questioned. Britain is relatively unique in Europe in promoting low-quality flexible jobs which fail to use the skills of its workforce.

Preface - Acknowledgements - Introduction - PART 1: EMPLOYERS AND THE LABOUR MARKET - Employers Use of Flexible Work - The Labour Market of Flexible Jobs - PART 2: INDIVIDUALS - Individuals in Flexible Work in Britain in the 1990s - Characteristics of Individuals in Flexible Jobs - Changes in Flexible Work in Britain over the 1980s - Flexible Jobs over the Lifetime - PART 3: HOUSEHOLDS - Flexible Jobs and Households - PART 4: BRITAIN'S JOBS IN THE WORLD ECONOMY - How does Britain compare with Other Industrialised Countries? - The Future of Britain's Jobs - Appendix 1 - Notes - Bibliography - Index