Social determinants of Health in Europe: precarious employment and new forms of work

Abstract

Even though the health effects of precarious employment (PE) have been studied in the past recent years, data from years after the Great Recession has not yet been explored using a multidimensional approach in Europe. Further, digitalization of the labour market is happening, and new forms of work are appearing. But, its potential implications for the worker’s health are unknown. Given the similar characteristics of PE and gig work, the health impact of platform work could be huge. The main aim of this thesis is to describe the health status and occupational safety of precariously employed and gig workers, years after the Great Recession in Europe. The thesis was performed using two European surveys (Flash Eurobarometer 398 on Working Conditions and the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey) and occupational safety data obtained through direct observation in Barcelona (Spain). The results found in the thesis show that years after the Great Recession, PE is present in the European workforce. PE is more common among women, young workers and individuals with lower educational level. Moreover, as PE quartiles increase, so did the prevalence of declaring to suffer any health problem. The most precarious employees and unemployed individuals declare in similar magnitude health problems. In addition, to be precariously employed is not associated to exercise the right of sick leave shorter than 15 days. Instead, it is related to long sick leave (more than 15 days). Further, precariously employed workers are more exposed to violence and harassment, stress and repetitive movements or painful positions in the workplace than workers not precariously employed. Similarly, delivery gig workers do have an irregular use of personal protective equipment and frequently violate traffic regulations. Based on the results and conclusions obtained in the thesis, some recommendations from public health are pointed out. First of all, current labour market regulations should be reconsidered in order to achieve the 8th sustainable development goal of decent work and economic growth by 2030. Second, Public Health agencies should monitor precarious employment as another determinant of health. Third, it is necessary to solve the probable misclassification of gig workers as dependent self-employed in order to protect them from occupational risks. Finally, new approaches for addressing occupational safety at work in platform digital work should be carefully reviewed.