The hired labour force36 is almost as diverse a group as the peasantry. The young components, male and female, usually consist of members of other peasant families who wish to learn something more about farming before taking up their own farm. This used to be very common in countries like Denmark and Germany, but the limited prospects of obtaining an economic family holding or even of obtaining a permanent position as a married hand have produced a sharp decline in the numbers of young people employed. The elite of the hired labour force has been the married permanent workers, some with managerial responsibilities, others undertaking skilled and semi-skilled work. The core of the force has consisted of unskilled, married and single hands employed on a more or less permanent basis but with very little security, their levels of living and chances of economic promotion always threatened by the flux of part-time workers. Their unenviable lot ensured they would be among the vanguard of the post-war migrants to the towns. The subsequent labour shortage has helped to improve their wages and conditions, which are now covered by labour legislation in most countries. Nevertheless as a class the hired labourers are still near the bottom of the social scale.