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Temporary Agency Work and Precarious Employment: A Review of the Current Situation in Australia and New Zealand

Author

Listed:
  • John Burgess

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Julia Connell

    (University of Newcastle)

  • Erling Rasmussen

    (University of Auckland)

Abstract

This paper reviews three key issues associated with temporary agency work (referred to as agency work herewith) by drawing on Australian and New Zealand trends and experiences. First, the authors contend that it is surprising, in light of its high flexibility, that agency work constitutes a relatively small proportion of total employment in both countries. This article presents several reasons which can provide an explanation for employers? relatively limited use of agency employment. These reasons also show that agency work must be seen as part of the wider expansion of atypical employment arrangements. Second, the paradoxical mix of glamour and precariousness often associated with agency work is discussed. While labour flexibility is often associated with insecurity and precariousness, there are also advantageous forms of agency employment for all parties concerned. Consequently, this article provides an overview of recent research findings. It is evident from the research literature on agency work that there is either an emphasis on its precarious nature or on the individual preferences and choices of the temps themselves. In many countries, extensive regulatory arrangements exist that govern both the agency sector and the agency employment contract. This is not the case, however, in Australia and New Zealand and the effects of this unregulated approach are discussed as is the possibility of regulatory interventions that could be introduced at a future date.

Suggested Citation

  • John Burgess & Julia Connell & Erling Rasmussen, 2005. "Temporary Agency Work and Precarious Employment: A Review of the Current Situation in Australia and New Zealand," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 16(3), pages 351-369.
  • Handle: RePEc:nms:mamere:1861-9908_mrev_2005_03_burgess
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    File URL: https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/0935-9915-2005-3-351
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Connell, J & Burgess, J, 2002. "In search of flexibility: Implications for temporary agency workers and human resource management," Australian Bulletin of Labour, National Institute of Labour Studies, vol. 28(4), pages 272-283.
    2. John Burgess, 2003. "Reviewing the model behind the job network," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 6(2), pages 227-240, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Temp Agency Employment; Flexibility; Regulation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • J53 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Labor-Management Relations; Industrial Jurisprudence
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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