Vocabulary for discussing employment, workplace dynamics, career development, and labour markets.
remuneration
Money paid for work or a service; compensation.
Band 7+ example
“Adequate remuneration is essential for attracting and retaining skilled professionals in the public sector.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Workers need more remuneration for their work.
The disparity in remuneration between senior executives and entry-level employees has widened considerably.
redundancy
The state of no longer being employed because the job is no longer necessary; dismissal from work.
Band 7+ example
“Widespread redundancies in the manufacturing sector have compelled governments to invest in retraining programmes.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Many people got redundancy because of technology.
Workers facing redundancy require access to retraining opportunities and transitional financial support.
meritocracy
A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.
Band 7+ example
“While many societies aspire to be meritocracies, structural inequalities often determine outcomes more than individual talent.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
A meritocracy means the best people get the best jobs.
The ideal of meritocracy is frequently undermined by systemic barriers related to socioeconomic background.
entrepreneurship
The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
Band 7+ example
“Fostering entrepreneurship through access to capital and reduced regulatory burdens can stimulate economic growth.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Entrepreneurship is good because people can make their own business.
Entrepreneurship drives innovation and creates employment opportunities, particularly in emerging industries.
outsourcing
The practice of obtaining goods or services from an external supplier rather than producing them internally.
Band 7+ example
“While outsourcing reduces operational costs, it can result in domestic job losses and raise concerns about labour standards abroad.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Outsourcing makes companies save money but people lose jobs.
The outsourcing of manufacturing to developing nations has reshaped global supply chains and labour markets.
productivity
The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Band 7+ example
“Flexible working arrangements have been shown to enhance employee productivity and reduce staff turnover.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The productivity of workers should be higher.
Sustained productivity growth is a key determinant of long-term economic prosperity.
gig economy
A labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts and freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.
Band 7+ example
“The expansion of the gig economy has raised pressing questions about workers' rights, benefits, and job security.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
The gig economy makes people work without a real job.
The gig economy offers flexibility but often at the expense of employment protections and financial stability.
vocational
Relating to an occupation or employment; providing skills for a specific trade.
Band 7+ example
“Vocational training programmes bridge the gap between academic education and the practical demands of the labour market.”
Common collocations
Common mistake
Vocational courses teach people to do a job.
Expanding access to vocational education can address skills shortages and reduce youth unemployment.
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