cheap labour force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheap labour force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people who provide manual labor at a low cost. For example, "The factory was able to produce so many products quickly because of its cheap labour force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

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

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

Independent

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

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

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The emergence of China and India, with their vast, cheap labour forces, has weighed on labour costs in the West, as well as keeping a lid on inflation and interest rates.

The Economist

Without order, investors will not employ Albania's dirt-cheap labour force; and tourists will shun its magnificent coastal and mountain scenery.

The Economist

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

Ethnic enclaves provide many resources for immigrants including a larger and potentially cheaper labour force, ethnic solidarity, vertical integration and a protected market (Aguilera [2009]).

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic advantages, use "cheap labour force" to concisely highlight the cost benefits. Be mindful of the ethical implications, as the term can sometimes carry negative connotations related to worker exploitation.

Common error

Avoid using "cheap labour force" in contexts where it diminishes the value or dignity of workers. Instead, focus on terms like "affordable workforce" or "competitive labor costs" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheap labour force" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific group of workers characterized by their low cost. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheap labour force" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a workforce available at low cost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its common occurrence in news, science, and formal business contexts. While a useful term for economic discussions, it's important to consider the ethical implications and potential negative connotations associated with it. Alternatives like "affordable workforce" or "low-wage workforce" may be more appropriate in certain situations to avoid any perceived devaluation of workers. The phrase's frequency is categorized as "common", appearing often in reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low-wage workforce

Focuses specifically on the wage level of the workers.

affordable labor pool

Highlights the availability of workers at a reasonable cost.

economical labor supply

Emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of the workforce.

inexpensive manpower

Uses "manpower" to refer to the workforce, emphasizing the low cost.

low-cost human resources

A more formal term emphasizing the financial aspect of labor.

budget-friendly workforce

Highlights the affordability from a budgetary perspective.

modestly priced labor

Emphasizes the reasonable price of the labor.

lower-paid employees

Focuses on the compensation received by the workers.

underpaid labor group

Highlights the potential exploitation or unfair compensation of the workers.

low-remuneration personnel

A formal alternative that stresses minimal compensation.

FAQs

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

You can use "cheap labour force" to describe a situation where labor costs are significantly lower, such as, "The company relocated to the region to take advantage of the "cheap labour force"."

What are some alternatives to "cheap labour force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "low-wage workforce", "affordable labor pool", or "economical labor supply".

What are the implications of relying on a "cheap labour force"?

Relying on a "cheap labour force" can lead to increased profits and competitiveness, but it can also raise ethical concerns about fair wages, working conditions, and potential exploitation of workers.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "cheap labour force"?

The appropriateness of using "cheap labour force" depends on the context and your intention. It's essential to consider the potential negative connotations and ensure that your language is respectful and sensitive to the workers involved. Terms like "affordable workforce" might be more suitable in some situations.