The text below is an excerpt from the complete document. Read the full brief in PDF format.

Abstract

This brief uses data from the 2007 Survey of Employers in the Low-Skill Labor Market to examine the scheduling demands employers place on workers recently hired to fill noncollege jobs and to assess the availability of paid time off, sick leave and other benefits that help workers balance their work and family lives.

Introduction

Americans often perceive low-wage, lowskill jobs as “McJobs”—easily filled positions requiring little in the way of education, experience, or training. In reality, low-skill jobs are not “no skill” jobs, and the labor market for noncollege jobs— jobs that do not require a college degree— is vast and diverse.

In this brief, we use data from the 2007 Survey of Employers in the Low-Skill Labor Market—a national survey of employers that have recently filled noncollege jobs—to broaden and deepen our understanding of the diversity of this labor market (see box for more information about the survey). We distinguish between jobs that have very low requirements— entry-level jobs—and those with somewhat higher skill or education requirements— “next-step” jobs. We then explore the differences between entry-level and next-step jobs in compensation, activities and tasks performed on the job, the types of employers filling entry-level versus next-step jobs, and how employers fill these jobs. This deeper understanding of the noncollege labor market will help researchers and policymakers identify the jobs that are most promising for the least skilled labor-market entrants, the skills and experience needed for next-step jobs, and the factors that help workers with the necessary skills and experience land next-step jobs.

(End of excerpt. The entire brief is available in PDF format.)

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

Usage, posting and reprint of materials on the UI web site:

Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site in PDF format. This information may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required.

Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact paffairs@urban.org.

If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.