At the end of the 1990s, the expansion of the low-wage sector was expected to lead to a reduction in the high levels of unemployment. A person is considered to be on a low wage if they earn less than two-thirds of the median wage of all full-time employees. In such cases, the remuneration does not provide an adequate livelihood despite the person being in full-time employment. Low wages disproportionately affect people without vocational qualifications, the low-skilled, younger workers and women.
Does the low-wage sector offer an opportunity to enter the labour market, or is it a dead end? And how has the low-wage sector evolved since the introduction of the minimum wage? In which sectors are low wages most prevalent? How has the risk of in-work poverty changed, and what factors play a role in this?
We have compiled a list of IAB publications and projects that help to answer these and other questions you may have about low wages and the risk of in-work poverty.
Activities
- Publications on the topic: Low wages and the risk of in-work poverty
- Projects on the topic: Low wages and the risk of in-work poverty
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