NEARLY half of workers in insecure jobs remained stuck after four years — proving that such roles are not merely “temporary stop-gaps” or “stepping stones” to secure employment, a study found today.

The analysis by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, found that 44 per cent of workers remained in insecure work  — characterised by low pay, unpredictable hours, with poor protections and limited career progression, after four years.

Based on data taken from between 2017/18 and 2021/22 from an Understanding Society survey of 10,804 workers, it found that only four in 10 progressed to secure work within the same time frame.

Yet nearly one in 10 fell into “involuntary worklessness” —  unemployment or economic inactivity due to long-term ill-health. 

Contrastingly, it found that those already in secure work were twice as likely to hold a secure job.

Work Foundation director Ben Harrison said: “Often insecure work is seen as a stepping stone to better employment, but this evidence tells us many end up stuck in long-term insecure work. 

“The very nature of insecure work makes it more difficult for individuals to transition to secure jobs — juggling unpredictable pay and hours can make it hard to plan, upskill or find new opportunities.”

Researchers found that workers aged 45-54 are nearly twice as likely to remain stuck in long-term insecure work compared to those aged 16-24.

They also discover that over a third of insecure workers in health and social care are in long-term insecure work. 

Only 59 per cent of those who remained in health and social care obtained more job security, compared to 78 per cent of insecure workers who left the sector altogether.

Mr Harrsion said: “Our evidence shows insecure workers are almost three times more likely to switch sectors compared to those in more secure jobs, which poses serious problems for sectors already facing major labour shortages and raises critical questions for government and sector leaders as they look to restore sustained growth to the economy.”