'Flexible' workers for 'flexible' jobs?

CPC members, David McCollum and Allan Findlay have published an article in British Sociological Association journal: Work, Employment and Society.

The article entitled ''Flexible' workers for 'flexible' jobs? The labour market function of A8 migrant labour in the UK' considers recent East-Central European migration to the UK and the impact that this has had on the labour market. This particular group of labour migrants are characterised by high employment levels but low wages. Previous research suggests that they may serve a particular function in the UK labour market: that of flexible workers for flexible jobs.

However, the authors' findings suggest that this phenomenon is not 'distinct' and that sizable inflows of East-Central European migrants have not exacerbated flexible employment structures. They report that a combination of geographic income differences - which determine the willingness of workers to accept unfavourable pay and conditions - and immigration policy are also key contributors to the flexible labour market structure.

Through examining interviews with low-wage employers and recruiters, the authors uncover a common perception of East-Central European migrants as having a superior work ethic.

The authors conclude that a combination of the geography of wage inequalities, immigration policy and the perceptions and resulting practices of employers has produced a situation whereby East-Central Europeans are seen as the most flexible supply of labour available to low-wage sectors.

However, this access to flexible labour is not fixed. Over time, migrants tend to become less accepting of flexible employment conditions, and as economic conditions improve and public opposition to immigration increases, there may be cause concern about future access to 'flexible' workers for low-wage employers.

To access the full article, please visit the SAGE Journals website.

You can also find out more about CPC's research on migration and mobilities by visiting our research programme page.

Posted 12/05/2015 11:51