People in Australia working multiple jobs are paid even less than workers with a single job according to new stats released today by the ABS.

The figures show that the median wage for workers with a single job was $48,028 in 2015-16 compared to $39,813 in the same year for those who had to hold multiple jobs to survive.

This shows the combined effect of the insecure work and wage growth crises in Australia. People being forced into multiple jobs, none paying well enough to support them, let alone a family.

Over 1.9 million employees were multiple job holders in 2015-16, compared with 1.8 million in 2011-12

In addition to being paid less, workers with multiple jobs often have to contend with increased travel costs.

It is absurd that in Australia a worker could be holding multiple jobs and making barely more than the minimum wage.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:

“These figures show the depth of the insecure work crisis in Australia. Workers holding multiple insecure jobs and being paid barely more than minimum wage.

“Prime Minister Morrison talks about ‘a fair go for those who have a go’, but these people are working multiple jobs and earning less than 10% of his salary.

“We need more secure jobs, and more power for working people so they can win the pay rises they need.”