In 1999, there were 5.6 million contingent workers; the number and proportion remained unchanged from 1997-1999. Contingency rate was highest for younger workers, part-time workers, women, blacks, and Hispanics. More than half would rather have noncontingent jobs. Compared with earlier data, they were more likely to have personal than economic…

Although the incidence of contingent work--jobs that are structured to be short term or temporary--declined between 1995 and 1997, it continues to be more common among women, youth, students, part-time workers, and in the construction and services industries. Contingent workers are also found in both high- and low-skilled occupations. (Author/JOW)