Job security in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka: A study of determining factors

Abstract

Due to a lack of job security, many employees in Sri Lanka’s garment industry – which is important to the country’s economy – experience irritation and fear. Most employees fear the unexpected, and the loss of workplace security exacerbates these fears. This study aimed to pinpoint factors that affect the job security of office-based employees in Sri Lanka’s garment sector. A cross-sectional survey, using a structured questionnaire, was used to determine the factors affecting job security using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Government policies, skill level and the status of employment were found to be significantly associated with job security while collective bargaining and the working environment were not statistically significant. The research identified a set of factors that are suitable for assessing job security. The article concludes by exploring the implications of the results for decision-makers and making recommendations to employers, government bodies, and trade unions for measures whose implementation might bolster employees’ assurance of job stability for garment workers.