While no one has complete security and stability of employment, income and work, security is an important aspect of fair work.
Security at work can generate clear benefits for society. Individuals with stable employment and incomes, and with sufficient incomes, are less likely to require support from the welfare system and more likely to generate public revenues through taxation.
Low pay and insecurity are associated with in-work poverty, child poverty and poverty beyond working life. Insecure employment is associated with poorer health outcomes than secure employment. The burden of insecurity and risk should not rest primarily on employees and workers.
Security and Fair Work
Security as a dimension of fair work can be supported in a variety of ways including by:
- Providing written contracts and building stability into contractual arrangements adopting at least the Real Living Wage.
- Adhering to sectorally agreed rates of pay where they exist.
- Providing hours that are agreed and predictable.
- Giving opportunities for hours of work that can align with family life and caring commitments.
- Ending the use of Zero Hours Contracts.
- Avoiding the use of umbrella companies.
- Providing fair and transparent arrangements for pay progression, sick pay and pensions.
Benefits of Security
For Individuals
Stability of employment allows individuals to better plan their day to day lives and their future. Security of income can contribute to greater individual and family stability and can promote more effective financial planning, including investment in pension provision.
For Employers
Security plays an important role in behaviours and attitudes within workplaces. Where people feel secure, this can increase their willingness to adapt and change, their levels of commitment, and the chance of them 'going the extra mile'. Security is also important for building and maintaining employer-employee trust and respectful relationships at the workplace.
Stability of work can create the basis for greater learning and more effective skills development and can affect fulfilment in work. In turn, this reduces turnover and minimises recruitment and lost training costs for the employer.
Explore another dimension
Effective voice
Effective voice
For individuals, the opportunity to have an effective voice is crucially important. Having a say at work is consistent with the broader suite of rights available to citizens in democratic societies.
Opportunity
Opportunity
Fair opportunity is the chance to access and progress in work. It helps creates a more equal, inclusive and cohesive society.
Fulfilment
Fulfilment
Fulfilment can also arise from positive and supportive workplace relationships that promote a sense of belonging and this overlaps strongly with respect as a dimension of fair work.
Respect
Respect
Respect at work enhances individual health, safety and wellbeing. Dignified treatment can protect workers from workplace related illness and injury and create an environment free from bullying and harassment.