Research Insights: Young People and Precarious Work

Research Insights webinar: Young People and Precarious Work 

This webinar shares research about young people and precarious work. The research examined the experiences of 21 young precarious workers in England during the Covid-19 pandemic using qualitative longitudinal research. Through repeat interviews, it explored how participants navigated precarious employment and met their needs, guided by the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). Key factors such as career adaptability, work volition, social support, and critical consciousness helped buffer the negative impacts of precarity. Participants expressed varied responses to their situations, ranging from commitment to precarious careers to disengagement. Despite their resourcefulness and awareness of labour market injustices, none engaged in collective action. The webinar also shares practical resources associated with the research developed for schools, colleges and universities which could be adapted for other settings.

The research presented in this webinar has been published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology. Further information about the research project is available on the web pages of the Decent Work and Productivity Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Speaker biography:

Fiona Christie is a careers professional who has moved into an academic career combining research and lecturing. At Manchester Metropolitan University, she is a Senior Lecturer in the department of People and Performance and a member of the Research Centre for Decent Work and Productivity. Her research and teaching explore career development, graduate employability, higher education, young people and decent work.

More information – https://www.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-fiona-christie#2