Workers in insecure and low-paid roles are more likely to experience poor mental health, with concerns growing over the impact of precarious employment on wellbeing and workplace participation.
Evidence suggests that those in unstable work face a combination of financial strain, limited support and social isolation, all of which contribute to worse mental health outcomes compared with those in more secure roles.
The Society of Occupational Medicine said in a report published today that planned reforms to zero-hours contracts under the Employment Rights Act could help address some of these risks, but warned that broader issues linked to insecure work remain widespread.
Financial strain and insecurity drive mental health risks
Precarious employment, often associated with low pay and unpredictable hours, continues to affect workers across sectors such as retail, hospitality and logistics.
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Research published in the journal Occupational Medicine, based on analysis of more than 31,000 European workers, found that over half attributed their mental ill health to poor working environments, while more than a third cited a lack of training or control over their work.
The study was led by Professor Shusho Okada of the Institute of Science Tokyo and examined how different aspects of insecure work contribute to mental health outcomes.
The researchers said a range of factors were linked to poorer wellbeing, including income instability, limited autonomy and reduced access to support.
“Precarious workers frequently experience marginalisation in the workplace, marked by unpleasant tasks, insufficient training, limited access to professional development opportunities and exclusion from information networks and decision-making processes.”
They said these conditions could lead to ongoing emotional strain.
“Such workers commonly experienced heightened emotional stress and depressive symptoms stemming from a combination of their chronic employment insecurity, income instability, and reduced capacity to maintain their health and overall wellbeing.”
Long-term insecurity affects younger workers most
The research also found that many workers remain in insecure roles for extended periods, with a significant proportion experiencing long-term instability.
Among those studied, 44% remained in precarious employment for more than four years, with younger workers particularly affected by this pattern.
Workers in these roles were more likely to take time off sick and reported lower levels of physical activity, suggesting broader impacts on both mental and physical health.
They were also less likely to take part in social activities, often due to irregular hours or financial pressures, contributing to feelings of isolation.
Reforms may ease pressure but concerns remain
The government is due to introduce changes to zero-hours contracts next year, giving workers the right to request guaranteed hours.
Professor Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, said the reforms were needed to address the risks linked to insecure work. “This research shows the government’s reforms next year to zero-hours contracts under the Employment Rights Act cannot come soon enough.”
He said precarious work continued to affect large numbers of people, particularly younger workers. “Yet, even with these changes, too many people are still falling into potentially exploitative precarious and gig economy working, especially younger workers.”
He said the impact extended beyond financial insecurity. “As this study shows, not only is insecure, precarious working damaging to financial health, it directly affects mental health and wellbeing as well as compounding social isolation and exclusion.”
Wider risks for employers
The findings raise questions for employers about how insecure work is managed and the support available to those in less stable roles. Workers in precarious jobs reported lower levels of training and fewer opportunities to use or develop their skills, which may affect both engagement and retention.
The combination of job insecurity, financial pressure and limited support suggests that addressing mental health in the workplace may require a broader focus on employment conditions as well as individual wellbeing initiatives.
The research indicates that improving job security, access to training and workplace support could play a role in reducing mental health risks associated with precarious employment.
