Nearly 165,000 workers in Belgium are currently facing job insecurity, according to a new report on the links between work and poverty by the Ministry for Social Integration.
The report reveals that one in 25 workers in Belgium are in precarious employment, which can mean jobs that are poorly paid, insecure, or that could not support a household.
It notes that the risk of precarious employment is four times higher for low-skilled workers in Belgium, while those born outside the European Union are six times more likely to fall into precarious situations.
The increase in precarious jobs, temporary contracts, and hybrid employment statuses is a significant factor, according to the Ministry, as some workers are forced to juggle multiple jobs, work long hours, or take on unhealthy tasks to make ends meet.
The Ministry for Social Integration emphasised that there is no direct link between salary levels and worker insecurity. However, workers earning less than €2,550 gross per month have a poverty risk of 5.5%, while for those earning more than €2,550, the risk drops to 0.4%.
The Ministry says that worker poverty is not merely a salary issue but also one of job intensity.
"Policies focusing solely on low wages have a limited effect," it said, recommending a varied approach involving multiple policy instruments to tackle the issue.
Specific proposals from the Ministry include increasing access to training, opening more childcare facilities, and expanding affordable housing and services.
