Brave New Work

Some influential commentators argue that we have entered a brave new world of work.

We can train to be an acupuncturist one year and set up a vineyard in Australia the next. We can constantly re-invent ourselves without being defined by what we do.

In 100 years' time, the argument goes, today's struggles over jobs will seem like a fight over the deckchairs on the Titanic.

In the UK the number of start-up businesses has increased dramatically over the last few years, and in the United States the average male has had nine different jobs by the age of 32.

Many people chose to give up permanent positions in favour of short term contracts, attracted by their promise of more independence and flexibility.

For this freedom they sacrifice the security of paid holidays, company pension plans and stable working relationships - often working alone and always under pressure to find the next contract.

If people work for several different employers rather than one company all their working lives, what does this actually mean for the future of work?

Is it simply evidence of "serial monogamy" in the job market or does it spell the death of the career as we know it? After all, 80 per cent of the jobs in the UK are still permanent positions and the average time spent working for one employer has barely decreased in the last 15 years.

Ros Gill examines the complex picture presented by today's labour market and asks if we should celebrate or fear this brave new world of work.

Presenter: Ros Gill
Producer: Ingrid Hassler
Editor: Nicola Meyrick