TUC research finds 4 million people in insecure work across the UK
New analysis by the TUC shows one in eight workers were in insecure jobs in 2024, with growth concentrated in low-paid sectors and disproportionately affecting BME workers.
TUC analysis of labour market data has found that 4 million people were in insecure work in 2024, equivalent to one in eight of the UK workforce.
The figure has risen from 3.2 million in 2011, marking an increase of 800,000 over 14 years of Conservative-led governments.
The proportion of workers in insecure jobs grew from 10.7% in 2011 to 11.7% in 2024.
The research highlights the impact of insecure work on people’s lives, with short-notice changes making it difficult to manage household bills, plan commitments and meet caring responsibilities.
Insecure roles are typically low paid compared with permanent employment, leaving many workers struggling financially.
In 2024, the South West and Wales recorded the highest proportions of insecure workers at 13.5%.
Growth since 2011 has been concentrated in lower-paid sectors such as care, leisure, service and elementary occupations, which together accounted for three-quarters of the net increase.
The care sector is dominated by women, with pay in these industries falling significantly below the UK median of £17.03 an hour.
Related
Black workers face higher levels of racism and unfair treatment at work, TUC finds
MPs call for legal deadline on reasonable adjustment requests for disabled workers
Most employees stop pension saving when moving to self-employment, analysis finds
Bizcap achieves Great Place To Work certification across UK, Australia and Luxembourg
Total UK union membership rises to 6.6 million in 2025, official figures show
Eight in 10 workers experienced abuse at work in past year – TUC
Parental leave inconsistency pushes parents out of UK workplaces, data reveals
TUC urges Government to deliver guaranteed hours reforms in full
Lack of flexible working drives a third of parents out of jobs, TUC finds
Campaigners urge Government to maintain zero-hours contract reforms
Majority of workers unaware of pension inheritance tax changes, research finds
