Study: Duration of non-standard employment

More than one-half of Canadian workers who had a so-called "non-standard job" in 1999, such as part-time or temporary work, were still in the same type of job two years later, according to the new study "Duration of non-standard employment."

The study, published in Perspectives on Labour and Income, shows that this type of work, which also includes self-employment, is common in Canada.

However, it raises concerns because workers in these jobs tend to have low earnings and are more likely to live in low-income families. They also face greater risk of unemployment, and enjoy fewer benefits.

Adding fuel to the concern is the duration, or persistence, of this type of employment, especially among older workers aged 45 to 69.

Among this older group, one-half reported having a non-standard job for all three years between 1999 and 2001. This compares with only one-quarter of workers aged 25 to 34.

The proportion of people with a non-standard job also varied according to the type of work. About three-quarters of self-employed people who were employers in 1999 were in the same type of work in 2001. On the other hand only 18% of temporary part-time workers continued in the same type of employment.

Overall in 2001, about 38% of employed Canadians worked in non-standard jobs. Of this group, just over three-quarters were either self-employed or in temporary jobs. Less than one-quarter were permanent part-time employees.

Non-standard work often serves as a gateway to standard employment. For example, some 60% of individuals without jobs in 1999 who were subsequently employed in 2000 or 2001 initially found non-standard work.

The temporary nature of non-standard work among young people indicates that for this group, non-standard work is typically a stepping stone to permanent full-time employment. Older workers, on the other hand, may opt for part-time or temporary jobs, or self-employment, as a transition to retirement.

Non-standard workers are more likely than standard workers to be found in the primary and utilities industries, accommodation and food services, construction or trades.

About 42% of people in non-standard jobs were employed in one of these industries, compared with 28% of standard workers. Many of these industries have a strong seasonal component, or a fluctuating demand for workers during the day or week.

In contrast, manufacturing accounted for only 6% of non-standard workers, but 20% of standard workers.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 3889.

The article "Duration of non-standard employment" is available in the December 2004 online edition of Perspectives on Labour and Income, Vol. 5, no. 12 (75-001-XIE, $6/$52). For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Henry Pold (613-951-4608; henry.pold@statcan.gc.ca.), Labour and Household Surveys Analysis Division.