A new estimate of casual employment

Researchers at the Productivity Commission have challenged the standard ABS estimates of casual employment in Australia. Using information drawn from the recent Forms of Employment Survey, they propose a new, drastically-reduced estimate of the number of casual employees. They argue that the standard category of 'casual' is too broad and confusing and that it is necessary to exclude various groups of workers that cannot be regarded as 'true' casual employees. We contend that, apart from the argument for excluding owner-managers of incorporated enterprises, there is no justification for the downward revision. The new estimate does not succeed in undermining the results of previous research. Casualisation, based on high and growing levels of casual density, continues to demand attention from both researchers and policy-makers.