Nonstandard work arrangements (independent contracting, working for a temporary help agency, contract or on-call work, day labor, self-employment, and regular part-time employment) are growing more common in the United States. In 1995, more than 29 percent of all jobs were in nonstandard work arrangements. A study of these jobs and the characteristics of the workers who hold them was conducted through analysis of the 1995 Current Population Survey. The study found that nonstandard workers are disadvantaged by their work arrangement and the preponderance of low-quality jobs because they are more likely than regular full-time workers to be employed in low-quality jobs. In addition to paying lower wages, all types of nonstandard nobs are much less likely to provide health insurance or a pension than is regular full-time employment, are more likely to be of limited duration, and are poor ways to move to regular full-time employment, at least within a particular firm. More women than men, and both genders in minority groups, are more likely to hold low-quality, nonstandard jobs. The study concluded that public policies are needed to improve job quality and provide greater workplace protection for workers in nonstandard work arrangements. (Contains 21 references.) (KC)