The Phenomenon of Non Standard Employment in Israel

Abstract: “The Phenomenon of Non‑Standard Employment in Israel” goal is to map the prevalence of non‑standard employment (NSE) in Israel, describe its characteristics, and assess its implications for workers and population groups. While many countries consistently monitor NSE, Israel lacks a comprehensive assessment; this thesis seeks to close that gap. These arrangements are often associated with lower pay and benefits, income volatility, and instability. They also tend to be concentrated among disadvantaged populations such as women, youth, migrants, and low‑skilled workers. The analysis indicates that: (a) on average 23% of individuals aged 25–64 are in NSE—a sizable share that declines over the study period; (b) in Israel, NSE is disproportionately common among individuals with non‑academic education and among non‑Jews, yet there is no evident over‑representation of women, youth, or migrants, likely due to sample composition and the classification constraints imposed by the available data; and (c) the incomes of workers in NSE are lower on average, and this form of work appears less stable, reflected, among other things, in non‑fixed hours of employment. Given the sample window, selected aspects of the phenomenon are also considered in relation to the COVID‑19 shock, which had significant labor‑market effects. Overall, the study suggests that NSE exists in Israel at meaningful rates and exhibits several of the adverse features identified in the international literature. It therefore merits particular attention in labor‑market policy.