In September, along with Sydney University colleagues Dr Angie Knox and Prof. Phil Bohle, Dr Sally Wright and Prof. Chris Warhurst of IER submitted evidence to the Australian Senate’s Select Committee Inquiry into Work and Care.

Their submission focuses on the downsides of indirect employment, including labour hire, platform work and independent contracting in the social care sector in Australia, arguing that any shift to greater reliance on these types of labour practices is likely to further erode pay and working conditions.

Drawing on the evidence, they highlight how improving job quality can heighten employee engagement and that highly engaged employees tend to be more committed and productive workers – which is what the social care sector needs.