Current workplace frameworks are failing to reflect the realities of modern employment, leaving many people juggling between multiple jobs without adequate protection, new research from our Business School finds.
As a result, a high proportion of the UK workforce lack basic care and protections in employment.
Outdated systems in a changing workforce
The research was led by Professor Jo McBride alongside colleagues from the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester. It focused on workers in Yorkshire and North East England, where underemployment is among the highest in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Researchers found that Dignity at Work (DAW) frameworks, while well intentioned, do not reflect the realities of people working across multiple jobs. As a result, many workers miss out on support.
The study also highlights the rapid growth of gig economy and zero-hours roles, warning that existing frameworks were largely designed for workers in a single, stable job.
Life across multiple jobs
More than 50 low-paid workers took part in the study. Some held up to seven jobs across sectors including cleaning, catering, social care, retail and IT.
They described long and fragmented working days, difficult travel between roles and constant pressure to balance work with family life. Many said they had little control over their schedules and struggled with unreliable income.
Some also reported challenges with limited and uneven public transport, which made it harder to move between jobs and manage their working day.
Interviews also explored how people moved into work, how they managed several roles and how they viewed their own value in the workplace. Trade union officials and senior HR managers were also consulted.
Toll on health and wellbeing
The findings point to a growing strain on both physical and mental health. Workers often carry stress from one job to another, with little time to recover.
Participants also reported rising work intensity, with increasing expectations despite reduced hours, fewer breaks and, in some cases, poor or unfair treatment.
There is also a strong sense of stigma. Some participants said they felt ashamed of accepting insecure or "dehumanising" work arrangements. Others reported using food banks due to fluctuating pay.
A lack of recognition was another concern. Many felt their contribution was overlooked, despite providing essential services such as cleaning schools, preparing meals and caring for vulnerable people. Some also feared raising concerns due to the risk of losing work.
Researchers noted a wider culture of underappreciation, where workers felt unable to speak up about conditions for fear of dismissal.
Calls for a change
The researchers are urging employers and policymakers to act, calling for updated frameworks that reflect the realities of multiple employment and offer stronger protections.
This includes tackling stigma, improving job security and recognising the value of workers who keep key services running, many of whom are "the backbone of the community", despite facing some of the most insecure conditions.
With over one million people now on zero-hours contracts in the UK, the study argues that precarious work is becoming more common. Employers must adapt their policies, while policymakers should work together to strengthen rights, improve conditions and give workers a stronger voice.
They also call for greater collaboration across government and industry to better address worker welfare, labour market challenges and access to protections.
