Matt Whittaker
@mattwhittaker.bsky.social
Chief exec at PBE (Pro Bono Economics). Previously at Resolution Foundation. Inequalities-focused economist, cinephile, football coach (Fishersgate Flyers u17s), player (Sweet FA) and fan (Spurs & Stockport County).
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
The UK’s young people have the lowest wellbeing in Europe. This comes at a huge cost, with too many children feeling persistently unhappy.
Hear from economists, educators, academics & young people on the difference arts programmes make to wellbeing, & how we measure it ⬇️
📆20 November, 4 pm online
Hear from economists, educators, academics & young people on the difference arts programmes make to wellbeing, & how we measure it ⬇️
📆20 November, 4 pm online
Unlocking creativity: The economic impact of engagement with arts and culture among young people | PBE
Children and young people in the UK are enduring a wellbeing crisis. Our teenagers record the lowest levels of life satisfaction in Europe, and one-in-four of our 19-year-olds has a probable mental di...
pbe.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The UK’s young people have the lowest wellbeing in Europe. This comes at a huge cost, with too many children feeling persistently unhappy.
Hear from economists, educators, academics & young people on the difference arts programmes make to wellbeing, & how we measure it ⬇️
📆20 November, 4 pm online
Hear from economists, educators, academics & young people on the difference arts programmes make to wellbeing, & how we measure it ⬇️
📆20 November, 4 pm online
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Our latest report explores how early engagement with arts and culture can play a powerful role in supporting young people’s wellbeing, and assesses the value for money these programmes generate.
pbe.co.uk/publications...
pbe.co.uk/publications...
Unlocking creativity: the economic impact of engagement with arts and culture among young people | PBE
Children and young people in the UK have the lowest wellbeing in Europe. National survey data from 2023 show that about one in five children and young people aged 8 to 25 years were likely to have a m...
pbe.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Our latest report explores how early engagement with arts and culture can play a powerful role in supporting young people’s wellbeing, and assesses the value for money these programmes generate.
pbe.co.uk/publications...
pbe.co.uk/publications...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
A very worrying escalation of online harassment.
Somebody has used a video of me saying "racism in football is a game of two halves" + put a fake voiceover on it saying "what I would say to the girls of Rotherham is it is a game of two halves"
x.com/EuropaIneffa...
Somebody has used a video of me saying "racism in football is a game of two halves" + put a fake voiceover on it saying "what I would say to the girls of Rotherham is it is a game of two halves"
x.com/EuropaIneffa...
Europa Ineffable on X: "In a recent panel at what looks like Labour conference, Sunder Katwala, wearing an England shirt, appeared to compare the R🦍 GANGS to a football match: "it's a game of two halves" 🥴 https://t.co/b5YNKyaQtu" / X
In a recent panel at what looks like Labour conference, Sunder Katwala, wearing an England shirt, appeared to compare the R🦍 GANGS to a football match
x.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
A very worrying escalation of online harassment.
Somebody has used a video of me saying "racism in football is a game of two halves" + put a fake voiceover on it saying "what I would say to the girls of Rotherham is it is a game of two halves"
x.com/EuropaIneffa...
Somebody has used a video of me saying "racism in football is a game of two halves" + put a fake voiceover on it saying "what I would say to the girls of Rotherham is it is a game of two halves"
x.com/EuropaIneffa...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
We're hiring!💥
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
Senior Research Fellow, IPPR North | IPPR
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society.
www.ippr.org
October 15, 2025 at 11:11 AM
We're hiring!💥
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
IPPR North are looking for a senior researcher who has big ideas for the future of our regions. Join us at this pivotal time for our economy and democracy.
Based in Manchester, apply by 31st October.
www.ippr.org/jobs/senior-...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
NEW: The UK social security system offers relatively little income protection after job loss.
THREAD on Martin Mikloš and @xiaoweixu.bsky.social's IFS Green Budget chapter on the options for introducing ‘unemployment insurance’:
THREAD on Martin Mikloš and @xiaoweixu.bsky.social's IFS Green Budget chapter on the options for introducing ‘unemployment insurance’:
October 9, 2025 at 7:05 AM
NEW: The UK social security system offers relatively little income protection after job loss.
THREAD on Martin Mikloš and @xiaoweixu.bsky.social's IFS Green Budget chapter on the options for introducing ‘unemployment insurance’:
THREAD on Martin Mikloš and @xiaoweixu.bsky.social's IFS Green Budget chapter on the options for introducing ‘unemployment insurance’:
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Civil society is one of the UK’s greatest assets, but it needs a Civil Society Evidence Organisation (CSEVO): a hub to access evidence, cut duplication & support smarter decisions.
We have a plan: £2.5m over 5 yrs, co-funded by government and the sector.
Read the report: pbe.co.uk/publications...
We have a plan: £2.5m over 5 yrs, co-funded by government and the sector.
Read the report: pbe.co.uk/publications...
Better evidence, better outcomes: The business case for a Civil Society Evidence Organisation | PBE
Civil society is one of the UK’s greatest assets. It is driven by innovation, rooted in communities, and committed to tackling some of the nation’s most complex challenges, but it faces barriers that ...
pbe.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Civil society is one of the UK’s greatest assets, but it needs a Civil Society Evidence Organisation (CSEVO): a hub to access evidence, cut duplication & support smarter decisions.
We have a plan: £2.5m over 5 yrs, co-funded by government and the sector.
Read the report: pbe.co.uk/publications...
We have a plan: £2.5m over 5 yrs, co-funded by government and the sector.
Read the report: pbe.co.uk/publications...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Free2Talk offers something vital for LGBTQ+ young people: a safe, identity-affirming space to belong.
@karol122.bsky.social and @charlotteprothero.bsky.social share Charlie’s story, and the value of the programme which could deliver £4 of wellbeing benefit for every £1 spent.
Read it here 👇
@karol122.bsky.social and @charlotteprothero.bsky.social share Charlie’s story, and the value of the programme which could deliver £4 of wellbeing benefit for every £1 spent.
Read it here 👇
Every LGBTQ+ young person deserves a safe space | PBE
Charlie* was looking for somewhere they could explore their emerging identity and feel supported as they considered socially transitioning – that is, beginning to live and be recognised in everyday li...
pbe.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Free2Talk offers something vital for LGBTQ+ young people: a safe, identity-affirming space to belong.
@karol122.bsky.social and @charlotteprothero.bsky.social share Charlie’s story, and the value of the programme which could deliver £4 of wellbeing benefit for every £1 spent.
Read it here 👇
@karol122.bsky.social and @charlotteprothero.bsky.social share Charlie’s story, and the value of the programme which could deliver £4 of wellbeing benefit for every £1 spent.
Read it here 👇
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
The evidence is overwhelming: prioritising wellbeing drives measurable benefits for employees, shareholders, customers, and wider society.
In her latest article for our ‘Economics to improve lives’ series, Hannah Pearsall, Head of Wellbeing at Hays UK&I says wellbeing is a business imperative.
In her latest article for our ‘Economics to improve lives’ series, Hannah Pearsall, Head of Wellbeing at Hays UK&I says wellbeing is a business imperative.
Prioritising wellbeing: A strategic imperative for balanced business outcomes | PBE
By Hannah Pearsall, Head of Wellbeing, Hays UK&I In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, the question isn’t whether wellbeing should be part of corporate strategy – it’s why any forward-thinking b...
pbe.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 7:06 AM
The evidence is overwhelming: prioritising wellbeing drives measurable benefits for employees, shareholders, customers, and wider society.
In her latest article for our ‘Economics to improve lives’ series, Hannah Pearsall, Head of Wellbeing at Hays UK&I says wellbeing is a business imperative.
In her latest article for our ‘Economics to improve lives’ series, Hannah Pearsall, Head of Wellbeing at Hays UK&I says wellbeing is a business imperative.
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
What is “the good life”?
Lord Blunkett argues it’s not just about money: dignity, purpose, community & a fair start in life all matter.
His article in the #EconToImproveLives series makes the case for investing in young people’s wellbeing, from early years to employment.
pbe.co.uk/insights/wel...
Lord Blunkett argues it’s not just about money: dignity, purpose, community & a fair start in life all matter.
His article in the #EconToImproveLives series makes the case for investing in young people’s wellbeing, from early years to employment.
pbe.co.uk/insights/wel...
Wellbeing for the next generation: lessons from Sure Start and beyond | PBE
By Lord David Blunkett I was recently asked in an interview what I thought was the “good life”, which rather threw me. What is a “good life” for one person might be an absolute nightmare for another. ...
pbe.co.uk
September 17, 2025 at 8:10 AM
What is “the good life”?
Lord Blunkett argues it’s not just about money: dignity, purpose, community & a fair start in life all matter.
His article in the #EconToImproveLives series makes the case for investing in young people’s wellbeing, from early years to employment.
pbe.co.uk/insights/wel...
Lord Blunkett argues it’s not just about money: dignity, purpose, community & a fair start in life all matter.
His article in the #EconToImproveLives series makes the case for investing in young people’s wellbeing, from early years to employment.
pbe.co.uk/insights/wel...
📣Calling analysts working in and around the social sector. Come join the next @pbe.co.uk Social Sector Economists Network meeting and explore new work on perinatal depression and on the size of the UK’s impact economy 📣
2 October | 10:00–11:30 | Online
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7b825d...
2 October | 10:00–11:30 | Online
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7b825d...
September 12, 2025 at 8:15 AM
📣Calling analysts working in and around the social sector. Come join the next @pbe.co.uk Social Sector Economists Network meeting and explore new work on perinatal depression and on the size of the UK’s impact economy 📣
2 October | 10:00–11:30 | Online
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7b825d...
2 October | 10:00–11:30 | Online
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7b825d...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Online training for analysts on using HM Treasury’s wellbeing guidance
In partnership with State of Life and LSE, the workshop will give you the tools to use wellbeing measurement in business cases, appraisals and evaluations.
4.5 hour workshops across 21 & 23 Oct
Apply to attend👇
In partnership with State of Life and LSE, the workshop will give you the tools to use wellbeing measurement in business cases, appraisals and evaluations.
4.5 hour workshops across 21 & 23 Oct
Apply to attend👇
Wellbeing valuation workshop request | PBE
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please complete the form below. We will get in touch after reviewing your request to let you know if we can help.
pbe.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Online training for analysts on using HM Treasury’s wellbeing guidance
In partnership with State of Life and LSE, the workshop will give you the tools to use wellbeing measurement in business cases, appraisals and evaluations.
4.5 hour workshops across 21 & 23 Oct
Apply to attend👇
In partnership with State of Life and LSE, the workshop will give you the tools to use wellbeing measurement in business cases, appraisals and evaluations.
4.5 hour workshops across 21 & 23 Oct
Apply to attend👇
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
New case study! Charity @pbe.co.uk used our data to show that the £28 billion annual bill for disability benefits creates £42bn in positive effects
Wellbeing boost from disability benefits outweighs cost - Understanding Society
Wellbeing boost from disability benefits worth £12,300 per person New case study shows wellbeing boost from disability benefits worth £12,300 per person
www.understandingsociety.ac.uk
September 11, 2025 at 10:59 AM
New case study! Charity @pbe.co.uk used our data to show that the £28 billion annual bill for disability benefits creates £42bn in positive effects
Typically thoughtful - and thought provoking - stuff from @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social on the urgent need to understand how AI disruption is playing out across society (for better and worse) and then respond accordingly. Another great contribution to the @pbe.co.uk 'Economics to improve lives' series
"Without suitable measures of organisations’ adoption of AI, policymakers will be unable to shape this powerful technology in ways that benefit society as a whole." - @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social's in her new article for #EconToImproveLives
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
Economic progress in the age of AI | PBE
By Diane Coyle If you spend less than four hours and 20 minutes a day online, you are below average for the UK. Using apps and online services, many of them free, is part of the fabric of daily life…
pbe.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Typically thoughtful - and thought provoking - stuff from @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social on the urgent need to understand how AI disruption is playing out across society (for better and worse) and then respond accordingly. Another great contribution to the @pbe.co.uk 'Economics to improve lives' series
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
"Without suitable measures of organisations’ adoption of AI, policymakers will be unable to shape this powerful technology in ways that benefit society as a whole." - @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social's in her new article for #EconToImproveLives
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
Economic progress in the age of AI | PBE
By Diane Coyle If you spend less than four hours and 20 minutes a day online, you are below average for the UK. Using apps and online services, many of them free, is part of the fabric of daily life…
pbe.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 8:23 AM
"Without suitable measures of organisations’ adoption of AI, policymakers will be unable to shape this powerful technology in ways that benefit society as a whole." - @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social's in her new article for #EconToImproveLives
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
pbe.co.uk/insights/eco...
The brilliant 808 State tonight
September 6, 2025 at 12:31 AM
The brilliant 808 State tonight
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Here's a slightly crazy diagram illustrating today's major Cabinet reshuffle
You're welcome
You're welcome
September 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Here's a slightly crazy diagram illustrating today's major Cabinet reshuffle
You're welcome
You're welcome
A Radiohead and Resolution Foundation crossover? Yes please! Great Top of the Charts from @ruthcurtice.bsky.social and team. Would love to see footage of the editorial meeting that rejected options like High and Dry, Reckoner & Electioneering though www.resolutionfoundation.org/comment/stic...
Sticky prices and sh*tty platforms • Resolution Foundation
Hi all, Set your calendars for late November — and no, not just Radiohead’s first tour in seven years. It’s Rachel Reeves’s second Budget (see our chart of the week for more). Reeves is under pressure...
www.resolutionfoundation.org
September 5, 2025 at 3:41 PM
A Radiohead and Resolution Foundation crossover? Yes please! Great Top of the Charts from @ruthcurtice.bsky.social and team. Would love to see footage of the editorial meeting that rejected options like High and Dry, Reckoner & Electioneering though www.resolutionfoundation.org/comment/stic...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Out tomorrow: our expert, cross-party Poverty Strategy Commission report. We propose a new social contract & plan to lift 4.2 million people out of poverty, incl 2.2 million stranded in deep poverty. Thanks @patrickjbutler.bsky.social for the insightful write up www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Scrap two-child benefit cap to help lift 4m people out of poverty, government urged
Exclusive: Cross-party Poverty Strategy Commission says abolishing limit would be part of its ‘once in a generation’ plan
www.theguardian.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Out tomorrow: our expert, cross-party Poverty Strategy Commission report. We propose a new social contract & plan to lift 4.2 million people out of poverty, incl 2.2 million stranded in deep poverty. Thanks @patrickjbutler.bsky.social for the insightful write up www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Fascinating paper exploring the economic impact of populist leaders coming to power. Lots in here but two key things for me:
1. Over 15 years GDP/capita decreases by 10%; with
2. No discernible change to inequality over same period.
Paper: iacmr.org/wp-content/u...
HT @justinwolfers.bsky.social
1. Over 15 years GDP/capita decreases by 10%; with
2. No discernible change to inequality over same period.
Paper: iacmr.org/wp-content/u...
HT @justinwolfers.bsky.social
August 27, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Fascinating paper exploring the economic impact of populist leaders coming to power. Lots in here but two key things for me:
1. Over 15 years GDP/capita decreases by 10%; with
2. No discernible change to inequality over same period.
Paper: iacmr.org/wp-content/u...
HT @justinwolfers.bsky.social
1. Over 15 years GDP/capita decreases by 10%; with
2. No discernible change to inequality over same period.
Paper: iacmr.org/wp-content/u...
HT @justinwolfers.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
Have fun everyone! Looking forward to see what you do with our data! Big shout to @jamesdgriffiths.bsky.social and Stuart Perrett for all of their great work on this too!
🚨NEW DATA 🚨
The BES team are pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Random Probability Survey Release v1.0.0
You can download the data here: www.britishelectionstudy.com/data-object/...
You can find our release note here:
www.britishelectionstudy.com/uncategorize...
The BES team are pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Random Probability Survey Release v1.0.0
You can download the data here: www.britishelectionstudy.com/data-object/...
You can find our release note here:
www.britishelectionstudy.com/uncategorize...
BES 2024 Random Probability Survey Release Note v1.0.0 - The British Election Study
www.britishelectionstudy.com
September 1, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Have fun everyone! Looking forward to see what you do with our data! Big shout to @jamesdgriffiths.bsky.social and Stuart Perrett for all of their great work on this too!
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
‘Let us not risk getting trapped in the last war.’ My piece for @pbe.co.uk on why the wellbeing v GDP framing has run out of road
pbe.co.uk/insights/bey...
pbe.co.uk/insights/bey...
Beyond ‘beyond GDP’ | PBE
By Hetan Shah I was involved in some of the calls for improved measurement of wellbeing in the early 2000s. Two decades on, sometimes the debate feels like it has not moved on sufficiently from those ...
pbe.co.uk
September 1, 2025 at 5:48 AM
‘Let us not risk getting trapped in the last war.’ My piece for @pbe.co.uk on why the wellbeing v GDP framing has run out of road
pbe.co.uk/insights/bey...
pbe.co.uk/insights/bey...
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
The lovely people @britishelectionstudy.com released the random probaility data which means we can begin to unravel some unanswered questions about turnout in 2024.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
August 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The lovely people @britishelectionstudy.com released the random probaility data which means we can begin to unravel some unanswered questions about turnout in 2024.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
A substack to follow but a starter of social class and vote/non-vote. Which party represents the working class? None of the above.
Lots of reasons to tread carefully with this ONS data on online adverts, but it’s an interesting glimpse of some potential post-Covid changes in the jobs market. Biggest increase in adverts come in care and health (human & animal) occupations, and baristas. Some big drops in personal services and IT
August 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Lots of reasons to tread carefully with this ONS data on online adverts, but it’s an interesting glimpse of some potential post-Covid changes in the jobs market. Biggest increase in adverts come in care and health (human & animal) occupations, and baristas. Some big drops in personal services and IT
Reposted by Matt Whittaker
LGBTQ+ young people in the UK face a severe, unequal mental health crisis.
Services like Free2Talk offer life-changing, cost-effective help, but they need greater support. 1/7
pbe.co.uk/publications...
Services like Free2Talk offer life-changing, cost-effective help, but they need greater support. 1/7
pbe.co.uk/publications...
August 27, 2025 at 8:03 AM
LGBTQ+ young people in the UK face a severe, unequal mental health crisis.
Services like Free2Talk offer life-changing, cost-effective help, but they need greater support. 1/7
pbe.co.uk/publications...
Services like Free2Talk offer life-changing, cost-effective help, but they need greater support. 1/7
pbe.co.uk/publications...
Think this is fascinating. We continue to think that higher income people are taxed too little and lower income people are taxed too much, but much less than we used to. And our Goldilocks position on middle income tax levels has also shifted, with more now thinking tax is too high for this group
August 26, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Think this is fascinating. We continue to think that higher income people are taxed too little and lower income people are taxed too much, but much less than we used to. And our Goldilocks position on middle income tax levels has also shifted, with more now thinking tax is too high for this group