Statistics Korea announced the results of the “Supplementary Survey on Employment by Work Type for August 2024” on Oct 22, revealing a significant shift in the South Korean labour market. The number of non-regular workers has surged to 8.459 million, an increase of 337,000 compared to the same month last year, while the number of regular workers has decreased by 147,000 to 13.685 million. Among the 22.144 million wage earners, non-regular workers now account for 38.2%, the second-highest proportion since related statistics began to be compiled in 2003. The highest proportion was recorded in August 2021 at 38.4%.
Statistics Korea explained that the decrease in regular workers was most notable in industries such as manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, and accommodation and food service activities, which have recently seen a decline in the total number of employed persons. Conversely, the number of non-regular workers increased the most in the accommodation and food service activities sector by 82,000. Other sectors that saw significant increases include health and social work activities (54,000), manufacturing (40,000), professional, scientific and technical activities (40,000), and wholesale and retail trade (39,000).
By age group, the increase in non-regular workers was most pronounced among those aged 60 and over, with an additional 193,000 workers. This was followed by increases among those in their 30s (84,000), 20s (38,000), and 50s (34,000). Women accounted for 57.3% of non-regular workers, highlighting a significant gender disparity in employment types.
The survey also revealed a notable rise in part-time work. The number of part-time workers reached 4.256 million, an increase of 383,000, making up 50.3% of non-regular workers. This is the first time since the related statistics began to be compiled that the proportion of part-time workers has exceeded 50%.
Lim Kyung-eun, head of the Employment Statistics Division at Statistics Korea, commented, “There is a trend among both young and elderly people to prefer working the desired hours at the desired times, as seen through supplementary surveys. The supply and demand for (part-time) jobs are both increasing.”
Among non-regular workers, the proportion who chose non-regular employment for voluntary reasons was 66.6%, an increase of 1.0 percentage points from the same period last year. The most common reason cited was “satisfaction with working conditions” at 59.9%, followed by “stable job” at 21.6%.
In terms of wages, the average monthly wage of non-regular workers over the past three months was 2.048 million won, an increase of 91,000 won. This marks the first time that the average monthly wage of non-regular workers has exceeded 2 million won. However, the wage of regular workers was significantly higher at 3.796 million won, an increase of 173,000 won, resulting in a wage gap of 1.748 million won, the largest difference in history.
The current status of the labour market reflects broader social and economic trends. The increasing proportion of non-regular workers, particularly part-time workers, indicates a shift towards more flexible working arrangements. This trend is driven by both supply and demand factors, with many workers, especially the young and elderly, seeking jobs that offer the desired hours and conditions. The rise in non-regular employment also underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving job security and equitable wages for all workers.
As the labour market continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor these trends and their implications for economic inequality and workforce stability. Future developments in government policies and labour market regulations will play a key role in addressing these issues and shaping the employment landscape in South Korea. – Business.korea.kr
