a cheap labour force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cheap labour force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about economics, employment, or industries that rely on low-cost workers. Example: "Many companies seek to maximize profits by outsourcing jobs to countries with a cheap labour force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the country could not afford to let go of a cheap labour force which was saving the population from starvation.

Independent

Since 1965, multinational companies have collaborated with the armed forces to seize land and exploit a cheap labour force too afraid to demand safe working conditions or a fair wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

One family rules the country for two decades, keeping the population poor so they can use them as a cheap labour force under the loose tenants of communism," the source added.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By the end of the 20th century the globalization of the workforce had brought new challenges to the labour movement, effectively weakening collective bargaining in industries whose workers could be replaced by a cheaper labour force in a different part of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What we can see emerging on the horizon are the contours of a divided Europe: its southern part will be increasingly reduced to a zone with a cheaper labour force, outside the safety network of the welfare state, a domain appropriate for outsourcing and tourism.

The Guardian - Opinion

A vast, cheap labour force could go to work on road improvements, rainwater reservoirs, irrigation channels, dykes and community centres.

The Economist

A young, well-educated, cheap labour force attracted investment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The speed with which Asian Tigers like Taiwan and South Korea developed from 1960 onward was the result of deliberate diplomatic actions to stimulate innovations, complemented by strategies of multi-national companies seeking advantages of a well-educated but relatively cheap labour force.

European Journal of Futures Research

There is much productive potential in a young, well-educated – and increasingly cheap – labour force.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have done so before, such as when they moved production to China to take advantage of its big, cheap labour force.

The Economist

And its large, cheap labour force means that, unlike Japan or South Korea, it can retain its cost advantage in manufacturing as it moves up the value curve.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international business or economics, consider the ethical implications of using "a cheap labour force". Be mindful of the potential for exploitation and ensure that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a cheap labour force" automatically translates to economic prosperity. Consider factors such as skill level, productivity, and infrastructure to provide a more balanced view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cheap labour force" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes a group of workers whose labor costs are low. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cheap labour force" is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in diverse fields such as news, science, and business, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote a group of workers characterized by low labor costs. While the phrase is technically correct, it's essential to consider ethical implications and broader economic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure fair labor practices are considered. Alternatives like "an affordable workforce" or "a low-cost labor pool" can provide a more nuanced description, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an affordable workforce

Replaces "cheap" with "affordable", suggesting reasonable cost rather than potentially exploitative low wages.

a low-cost labor pool

Uses "low-cost" and "pool" to emphasize the availability of inexpensive workers.

an inexpensive labor supply

Emphasizes the supply aspect of labor being readily available at a lower price.

a budget-friendly workforce

Replaces "cheap" with "budget-friendly", which is less negative and more business-oriented.

an economical labor source

Highlights the cost-saving aspect using "economical".

a competitively priced workforce

Focuses on market competitiveness in terms of labor costs.

a cost-effective labor resource

Emphasizes the efficiency and value for money of the labor.

a readily available, low-wage workforce

Highlights both availability and low wages, making it more explicit.

a workforce with lower labor costs

Explicitly states the characteristic of lower labor expenses.

a fiscally advantageous labor group

A more formal and business-oriented way to describe a cost-effective workforce.

FAQs

How can I use "a cheap labour force" in a sentence?

You can use "a cheap labour force" to describe a workforce where labor costs are significantly lower than average. For example: "The company relocated its factory to take advantage of "a cheap labour force"."

What are some alternatives to "a cheap labour force"?

Alternatives include "an affordable workforce", "a low-cost labor pool", or "an economical labor source". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it ethical to seek "a cheap labour force"?

The ethics of seeking "a cheap labour force" are complex. While lower labor costs can benefit businesses, it's crucial to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers' rights. Prioritizing ethical labor practices is essential.

What factors contribute to the availability of "a cheap labour force" in certain regions?

Factors may include lower costs of living, less stringent labor regulations, higher rates of unemployment, and differences in skill levels or education. It's important to understand the specific context when analyzing "a cheap labour force".