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Unveiling the Hidden Workers in Australia: Who Are the Hidden Workers and What Makes Them Hidden?

Author

Listed:
  • Sora Lee

    (Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Woojin Kang

    (Department of Economics, Hanbat National University, Daejeon 34158, Republic of Korea)

  • Jodi Oakman

    (Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia)

Abstract

The pattern of labour underutilisation is complex and multifaceted, but research has been focused on unemployment. To explore socio-economic demographics of other forms of labour underutilisation, this study investigates the concept of ‘hidden workers’ using the latest data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study. Hidden workers are composed of three categories, namely those who are unemployed but actively seeking employment; working part-time but willing and able to work full-time; and not working but are willing and able to work under the right conditions. Analysis of HILDA data from 2022 reveals (i) a significant discrepancy in the incidence of unemployed and hidden workers across various socio-economic factors, and (ii) a pronounced age and gender differences among hidden workers, which is not easily discernible from standard unemployment descriptive statistics. Effective labour market policy depends on accurately identifying the different types of hidden workers and their social determinants. This study offers valuable insights to support more inclusive policies for hidden workers, who are often overlooked.

Suggested Citation

  • Sora Lee & Woojin Kang & Jodi Oakman, 2025. "Unveiling the Hidden Workers in Australia: Who Are the Hidden Workers and What Makes Them Hidden?," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:446-:d:1706613
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthew Gray & Alexandra Heath & Boyd Hunter, 2002. "An Exploration of Marginal Attachment to the Australian Labour Market," RBA Research Discussion Papers rdp2002-07, Reserve Bank of Australia.
    2. David Wilkinson, 2003. "New Deal For Young People: Evaluation Of Unemployment Flows," PSI Research Discussion Series 15, Policy Studies Institute, UK.
    3. Shoba Arun & Thankom Arun & Vani Borooah, 2004. "The Effect Of Career Breaks On The Working Lives Of Women," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 65-84.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sora Lee & Woojin Kang, 2024. "What Contributes to the Gender Gap? A Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition Analysis of Hidden Workers in Australia," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-16, December.

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