In the past 20 years there has been a significant growth in those working in self-employment, in micro small businesses, or under casual, part-time, subcontract, franchised, telework or homeworking arrangements in Australia. These employment status groups are now commonly known as precarious workers; principally because continuity of employment and income is uncertain. This shift in employment status amongst the workforce has been seen within virtually all OECD countries (less so in Italy, Canada and Luxembourg) (Ferrie et al, 1999; Walters & James, 1998:9-10; Campbell & Burgess, 1997; Kochan et al, 1994:63). Australia has one of the highest proportions – and this is likely to increase in the future as around 85% of net employment growth is now in precarious employment categories (Quinlan, 1999:3 & 1998:7; Burgess & Campbell, 1998a:10, 1998b; Moorehead et al 1997).
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