RECORD NUMBER OF AUSTRALIANS IN MULTIPLE JOBS

The number of Australians working more than one job to make ends meet has hit record highs because the Morrison Government has completely failed to improve job security or get wages moving.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the proportion of Australians working multiple jobs is at its highest level since these statistics began nearly three decades ago.

People are being forced to go out and get second jobs because they cannot get enough reliable hours and make enough money with their first jobs.

Scott Morrison doesn’t think this is a problem. In eight long years the Liberal National government has done nothing to make jobs more secure – and everything it can to keep wages low.

The pandemic highlighted the dangers of people in insecure work, whether it be casuals, part-timers with low guaranteed hours, gig workers or labour hire employees.

They were often the first to lose their jobs and end up on Centrelink queues; they often had no choice but to continue working even when they were feeling unwell because otherwise they wouldn’t be able to put food on the table; and they often unknowingly spread COVID between their multiple workplaces.

Only Labor has a plan to deliver more secure jobs, better pay and a fairer industrial relations system.

Under our Secure Australian Jobs Plan more Australians will have jobs they know they can rely on – and enough money so they can make plans for the future without getting a second job.

THURSDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2021