Precarious work and temporary contracts are increasingly becoming commonplace around the world, according to a new report.

The International Labour Organisation says a global shift towards more insecure jobs is fueling inequality and pushing poverty rates through the roof.

It is all leading to worldwide insecurity, according to the ILO’s director general, Guy Ryder.

“The 9-to-5 permanent contract that maybe our fathers or grandfathers felt was almost an inheritance… we are actually asking rather fundamental questions on that. I don’t think that’s a clinging to past orthodoxies, I think it’s an opening to some doors.”

In its report entitled, World Employment and Social Outlook 2015 the ILO estimates only a quarter of the world’s workforce are on permanent contracts.

The remaining three-quarters are working informally, perhaps doing unpaid family work, or are on short-term contracts or self-employed.

The ILO believes it is an emerging trend which needs further exploration t