The event, held on 8th November, was chaired by economist and commentator Vicky Pryce and featured research presentations by Professor Susan Harkness, Director of Understanding Society’s Policy Unit and Conor D’Arcy, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Resolution Foundation.
Read the presentations
- Download Low paid work – Headline findings from Understanding Society
- Download Escape plan: Boosting progression out of low pay
The discussion also featured a panel of leading policy commentators including:
- Paul Gregg, Professor of Economic and Social Policy, and Director of the Centre for Analysis and Social Policy, University of Bath
- Matthew Oakley, Social Metrics Commission and Director of WPI Economics
- John Earls, Head of Research, Unite the Union
Professor Paul Gregg highlighted that some forms of insecure work have reduced, but that pay has not followed inflation. He also mentioned that a lack of corporate investment has affected the job market, particularly for young people. He claimed that the real pay levels for young people have stagnated and their pay progression with age has slowed.
Reflecting the worker’s voice, John Earls took the view that there needs to be better sector deals relevant for the 21st century. He claimed that public policy has been too neutral of the subject of working conditions and there needs to be less undercutting.
Matthew Oakley started the debate by highlighting the power and value of Understanding Society for providing timely, policy relevant insights and recommendations. He also argued that changing jobs can improve pay and that moving regions has even greater impact on pay progression, but those in low-paid work often can’t move in this way, therefore trapping them in low wage work.
Key discussion points included:
- The benefits of flexible working arrangements for older workers Creating better opportunities for young people in the workplace
- The lack of opportunities for part-time workers and rural workers
- The ‘brain drain’ where educated/talented workers migrate and cluster to one area
- How location can affect people’s chances of finding work and the consequences of moving house
Launch of Insights 2017
The 2017 report covers three key policy areas; low pay and work, adult mental health and work/life balance. The report includes featured commentary from Kate Bell, Trade Union Congress, Peter Cheese, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Paul Farmer, Mind.
Read Insights 2017
- Read online
- Download PDF of Insights 2017
- For a paper copy of the publication, please email your name and address to Jay James and state: ‘Insights Postal Request’ in the subject line.
- Follow the #insightslaunch and #ESRCfestival conversation on Twitter
