A new report from The United Way and McMaster University paints a rather bleak picture of what is means to live and work in the GTA and Hamilton-areas.

The study finds a large increase in so-called 'precarious' employment.  In other words, people working temporary, contract, and casual jobs.

Researchers say there are 50% more workers are employed under such terms than there were 20 years ago.

The report says for many workers, not being able to rely on steady income means they are less likely to be in a long-term relationship, less likely to have kids, and volunteer their time in their community.

They are also more likely to say work anxiety interferes with their personal life.

Despite the fact that more than half of these workers have household incomes of $50,000 to $100,000 per year, they are also more likely to run out of money to buy food.

The study says barely half of working adults in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area have full-time jobs with benefits and expect to be with their employer at this time next year.