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The role of the state in shaping zero hours work in an atypical liberal market economy

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle O’Sullivan
  • Thomas Turner
  • Jonathan Lavelle
  • Juliet MacMahon
  • Caroline Murphy
  • Lorraine Ryan
  • Patrick Gunnigle
  • Mike O’Brien

Abstract

Zero hours work typifies work where there are no guaranteed hours offered by the employer. This article examines the relationship between the state and the emergence of zero hours work in an atypical liberal market economy, Ireland. Based on interviews with informed stakeholders with a focus on four sectors – retail, health, education and accommodation/food – the article concludes that the actions of the state have created a weak regulatory environment that has facilitated the emergence of zero hours work. The findings are discussed with a theoretical frame using the concepts of accumulation and legitimation.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle O’Sullivan & Thomas Turner & Jonathan Lavelle & Juliet MacMahon & Caroline Murphy & Lorraine Ryan & Patrick Gunnigle & Mike O’Brien, 2020. "The role of the state in shaping zero hours work in an atypical liberal market economy," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 41(3), pages 652-671, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:41:y:2020:i:3:p:652-671
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X17735181
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Markku Sippola & Paul Jonker-Hoffrén & Satu Ojala, 2024. "The varying national agenda in variable hours contract regulation: Implications for the labour market regimes in the Netherlands and Finland," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 30(4), pages 441-461, December.
    2. Chris Brewster & Michael Brookes & Geoffrey Wood, 2025. "Disaggregating the liberal market economies: Institutions and HRM," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(1), pages 199-221, February.

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