Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Since the public health emergency was declared in British Columbia in 2016, the number of overdose-related deaths has continued to rise. While unemployment and poverty are well-known social determinants of health harms for people who use drugs, various barriers to employment persist, such as health issues, education levels, and criminal history. Moreover, technological advancements and globalization have significantly altered the Canadian labor market, leading to a decline in traditional full-time, long-term jobs and an increase in precarious employment. Precarious employment is often characterized by temporary, unpredictable, poorly paid work without benefits or protections. However, flexibility is a key characteristic of precarious employment, allowing employers to create low-barrier roles that can adapt to individual needs. Currently, there is limited understanding of how different features of low-barrier roles-such as flexible hours, varied pay schedules, and the ability to take periodic absences-affect the health and well-being of individuals facing employment barriers. The proposed research will use data from the Assessing Economic Transitions (ASSET) study-a mixed-methods, longitudinal, community-based cohort- to identify which aspects of flexible, low-barrier employment impact physical and mental health. By understanding which elements of flexible employment promote health, policymakers can make informed changes to employment structures and policies to better support those facing barriers to employment.