for cheap labour

USAGE SUMMARY

"for cheap labour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a particular motivation or objective of a business or company, for example: "This company moved its operations overseas for cheap labour".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

For the past 20 years Europe's carmakers have looked to eastern Europe for cheap labour.

The Economist

But by 1863, the demand for cheap labour outweighed any moral hesitation.

The Guardian

Bringing jobs here threatened the plantation owners who wanted people for cheap labour.

The Guardian

But this began to break down in the 1990s because of the urban demand for cheap labour.

The Economist

Farmers, who have political clout and a perpetual hunger for cheap labour, may be allowed to hire more seasonal workers.

The Economist

But the pressure will remain for migrants to leave the world's ill-governed countries and head for the ones where demand for cheap labour flourishes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Fuelled largely by foreign investment, they are on a permanent quest for cheaper labour and greater efficiency.

The Economist

Then, on a globalisation tide, both UK plants were shut, well-paid workers lost their jobs and manufacturing was moved, for cheaper labour, to Mexico – where, typically, plants were not owned by IBM but by sub-contractors which managed employees.

The Guardian - Business

Fianna Fáil is engaged in desperate, daily battles to save the Irish banking system from collapse as well as persuading the foreign multinationals which fuelled the Celtic tiger not to pull up stakes and leave the state for cheaper labour in the east.

The Guardian

"If we come out of Europe, do we honestly think that Cameron will be suddenly hit by this bolt of decency and start treating workers better?" Mr Roache also accused the Government of letting employers advertise for cheaper labour from abroad, fuelling public anger over immigration.

Independent

Companies will continue to relocate for cheaper labour forces, and we need to protect women - particularly in areas like textiles - by offering the opportunity to upskill and by giving continuous education.

EU Parlament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international business practices, using "for cheap labour" can be a direct way to address the reasons behind outsourcing or relocation decisions. Be mindful of the potential ethical implications and consider discussing the impact on local economies and labor standards.

Common error

While "for cheap labour" is a valid phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or insensitive. Balance its use with discussions of fair wages, worker rights, and sustainable business practices to present a more nuanced and ethical perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for cheap labour" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a reason or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for cheap labour" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe the motivation behind business decisions related to cost reduction through affordable workforce. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. However, due to its potential ethical implications, it's crucial to use it thoughtfully, balancing discussions with fair labor practices and sustainability. While frequently appearing in news and media, formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "seeking economical labor options" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in pursuit of inexpensive workforce

Replaces "cheap labour" with synonyms to emphasize the goal of finding an affordable workforce.

seeking low-cost employees

Substitutes "labour" with "employees" and "cheap" with "low-cost" to denote a search for affordable personnel.

looking for affordable human resources

Uses a more formal tone by employing "human resources" instead of "labour" and "affordable" instead of "cheap".

aiming to minimize labor expenses

Focuses on the economic aspect by highlighting the intention to reduce labor costs.

in search of budget-friendly labor

Emphasizes the budgetary aspect by describing the labor as budget-friendly.

desiring economical labor options

Replaces "cheap" with "economical" for a more sophisticated expression.

finding cost-effective manpower

Uses the term "manpower" instead of "labor" and specifies the need for cost-effectiveness.

to secure economically viable labor

Emphasizes the economic sustainability of the labor being sought.

sourcing cut-rate labor

Implies labor obtained at significantly reduced rates, often suggesting compromised quality or ethical concerns.

exploiting underprivileged workers

Highlights the unethical practice of taking advantage of vulnerable workers by paying them unfairly low wages.

FAQs

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

You can use "for cheap labour" to explain why companies move production to certain regions. For example, "The company relocated its factory overseas "for cheap labour" to reduce production costs".

What are some alternative ways to say "for cheap labour"?

Alternatives include "seeking low-cost employees", "in pursuit of inexpensive workforce", or "looking for affordable human resources", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "for cheap labour" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for cheap labour" can sound informal or even insensitive. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "seeking economical labor options" or "aiming to minimize labor expenses" to maintain a professional tone.

What are the ethical considerations when discussing "for cheap labour"?

When discussing "for cheap labour", it's important to consider the potential for worker exploitation and the impact on local economies. Ethical discussions should include fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable business practices.