Work Foundation
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workfoundation.bsky.social
Work Foundation
@workfoundation.bsky.social
270 followers 66 following 540 posts
The Work Foundation is a leading think tank for improving work in the UK. Part of Lancaster University Management School.
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For our final look ahead to key issues in 2026, @aman93.bsky.social (Research and Policy Analyst) asks whether the Government will pursue a closer economic relationship with the EU.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Aman Navani, Research & Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Will the Government change tack on Europe? "The Government has struggled to make meaningful progress on its primary mission of boosting economic growth. The labour market is cooling and unemployment is on the rise, especially for young people. "With the Government running out of time to turn things around, will it be bolder in pursuing a closer economic relationship with the EU?" Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 15, 2026 at 11:30 AM
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For our penultimate look ahead in 2026, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social (Principal Analyst) suggests guaranteed hours for zero-hour workers could be a major step forward for employment rights, but that it will be dependent on the fine print.

Read more here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
January 14, 2026 at 10:01 AM
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Event: Join us on Tuesday 27 January between 14.00 - 15.30 to explore the key Employment Rights Act changes coming up in 2026, including on Statutory Sick Pay, parental leave and the introduction of the new Fair Work Agency.

Register for free: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-re...
Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 14.00 - 15.30 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online event The Employment Rights Act represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Act, which became law in late 2025, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Act. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 13, 2026 at 2:02 PM
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Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Jon Fitzmaurice (Head of External Engagement) asks whether Government action on cost of living will put more money in your pocket.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Jon Fitzmaurice, Head of External Engagement, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Will Government action on cost of living put more money in your pocket? "Despite historically strong regular pay growth, real wages have risen by just £2.73 a week on average in the last year. In response, the Government has promised to cut family energy bills and freeze rail fares to ease inflationary pressures. But with wage growth stalling, will these measures be enough to make a tangible difference for workers struggling to make ends meet?" Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM
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Next up in our preview of 2026 is Jess Redmond (Policy Advisor) who asks whether platform workers will be left in the lurch by employment reforms.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Jess Redmond, Policy Advisor, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Are platform workers left in the lurch? "The Government’s decision to not address the legal question of worker status for platform or ‘gig’ economy workers may come to bite them once the Employment Rights Bill comes into effect. There has been ambiguity around whether platform workers should be considered “limb (b) workers” – a kind of ‘middle ground’ status between employee and self-employed – under employment law, or whether the provisions in the ERB should apply to them." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM
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Looking ahead to the rest of the year, @gdwilliams9.bsky.social (Research and Policy Analyst) thinks the Spring local election will be a crunch point for the Government.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
George Williams, Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Local elections - a crunch point for the Government "On 7 May large parts of the UK will head to the polls to vote in English local elections, the Scottish Parliament election or the Senedd election in Wales. "Whatever the outcome, the results and ensuing debates on where the Government has gone wrong (or right), will likely shape the political narrative for the coming year.Which could have major repercussions on the Government’s policy agenda on employment, health and welfare." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 8, 2026 at 9:30 AM
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Looking ahead in 2026, Emelia Williams (Research and Policy Analyst) thinks there should be a national wake-up call on youth inactivity to help unlocking a generation.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Emelia Williams, Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University "As nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET), tackling youth inactivity will be a key focus in 2026. In particular, last month former Health Secretary Alan Milburn announced an independent investigation into what’s leading the rise in youth inactivity, with a particular focus on the impact of mental health conditions and disability. In the new year, the Work Foundation, in partnership with the Runnymede Trust and the Youth Futures Foundation, will also be publishing new place-based research exploring the depth of experiences of young people of colour and the employment landscape in four case study areas across the UK." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
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Next in our preview of 2026 is our Director @benrharrison.bsky.social who believes a focus on tackling unemployment is likely to be high on the political agenda this year.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University A focus on tackling unemployment "We ended 2025 with unemployment on the rise, vacancies falling and those out of work finding it more challenging to get a job. I expect the argument surrounding why more firms appear reluctant to hire will escalate further in 2026. Some will argue Government interventions on employer NICs, rises in the minimum wage and the Employment Rights Act are to blame, while others will focus on wider structural issues with the UK economy and labour market." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
January 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM
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In our preview of 2026, @alicepmartin.bsky.social (Head of Research) suggests the introduction of the Fair Work Agency - an agency on the side of workers - will be a key moment of the year.

Read all our key policy areas to look out for in the world of work: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Alice Martin Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University A new agency on the side of workers "In April, the new Fair Work Agency will bring fragmented regulators together to enforce minimum wage, holiday and sick pay, and basic employment rights. If effective, it could rebuild workers’ confidence, reduce pressure on tribunals, and raise standards in sectors like hospitality, retail, construction and care. With limited resources, success will depend on working closely with trade unions, community groups, investors and local government to find and tackle bad practice early." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos.
January 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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EVENT: Join us on Thurs 26 Feb 2026 to review the latest figures on young people not in education, employment or training, and discuss what it means.

Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Thursday 26 February 2026 | Online No NEET solution? Tackling youth unemployment in the UK The UK has had a significant population of young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training for over 20 years but the challenge for policymakers has evolved. The number of NEETs remains stubbornly close to one million – or one in eight young people aged 16-24 – after a large rise following the pandemic. The Government has responded to the immediate challenge by announcing an £820 million youth participation package, while also appointing Rt Hon Alan Milburn to lead an investigation into the root causes of record unemployment and inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to review the latest ONS figures on young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training, and discuss what it means for young people, local communities, the labour market and the Government. Work Foundation logo
January 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
2025 has been a big year in the world of work and for the Work Foundation at Lancaster University.

On behalf of everyone at the Work Foundation, we wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to working with you in 2026.
Sir Charlie Mayfield speaking with Ben Harrison at Work and Health Summit Clare Moriarty, Chloe Smith, Fiona Monohan and Ben Harrison speaking at the Work and Health Summit in June 2025. Katie Tyron, Adam Barrett, Professor Stavroula Leka, Beth Kume-Holland and Alice Martin speaking at the Work and Health Summit. Professor Stavroula Leka speaking at a roundtable.
December 31, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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As we approach 2026, analysis shows workers managing a health condition/disability are less likely to have access to flexible work and we are urging employers to adopt flexible working arrangements ahead of proposed Employment Right Act changes in 2027: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Employers urged to embrace flexible working options in 2026 as millions still miss out - Lancaster University
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University is urging employers to adopt flexible working arrangements ahead of proposed Employment Right Act changes in 2027.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
EVENT: Join us on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to explore the key Employment Rights Bill changes coming up in 2026.

Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-re...
Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 14.00 - 15.30 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online The Employment Rights Bill represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Bill, which is likely to receive Royal Assent in the coming weeks, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. Key measures including limiting ‘exploitative’ zero-hour contracts, the introduction of new ‘day one’ employment rights for all workers on flexible working, sick pay, parental leave, a reduction in the duration of unfair dismissal and a new Fair Work Agency to ensure compliance with employment law. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Bill. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. Work Foundation logo
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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As 2025 draws to a close, we asked our team members to review their key moment from the world of work and the labour market.

It has been a big year for employment rights, welfare reform and the labour market. So what did they choose? (1/6)

Read: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
A look back at the world of work and the labour market in 2025 - Lancaster University
As 2025 draws to a close, we asked our team to review their key moment from the world of work and the labour market.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
Will 2026 be the year that work gets better?

With the cost of living still high and job vacancies continuing to shrink, the UK is emerging from a difficult year for workers. @alicepmartin.bsky.social reflects on 2026 could mean for workers in @bigissue.com: www.bigissue.com/opinion/empl...
What does the Employment Rights Act mean for work in 2026?
With the Employment Rights Bill set to become law, 2026 will be one of the most consequential years for work in decades.
www.bigissue.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
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Our Director, @BRHarrison_, has commented on the Employment Rights Act becoming law:

“Passing the new Employment Rights Act into law is a critical milestone for employment reform in the UK and will better align our key employment laws with international standards. (1/5)

www.gov.uk/government/n...
New laws bring the world of work into the 21st century
Over 15 million people across the UK are expected to benefit as the Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent.
www.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM
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Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the passing of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords⬇️

“Ending the Parliamentary impasse on the Employment Rights Bill is a critical moment for UK workers. (1/5)
December 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
Comment from our Director, @BRHarrison_, on the latest labour market statistics from the ONS ⬇️

“The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Rising unemployment, falling vacancies and weak real wage growth all provide troubling signs for workers and jobseekers as we head towards 2026. (1/9)
December 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
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Today, @benrharrison.bsky.social (Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University) issued a statement on Government's latest announcement on the £820 million youth participation package, including a new Youth Guarantee.

www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Youth Guarantee must focus on connecting individuals to 'good' jobs - Lancaster University
Ben Harrison from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University responds to the Government's latest announcement on the £820 million youth participation package.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
December 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
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Our #ResearchOfTheMonth goes to @learnworkuk.bsky.social for their research exploring the impact of skills training on career progression prospects. (1/5)

learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...

Authors: Sravanthi Vempalli, Lovedeep Vaid, Aaron Revel,
@stephenevans.bsky.social.
Learning and Work Insitute report No train no gain Can the UK boost job mobility and pay growth over the next decade Sranvathi Vempalli, Lovedeep Vaid, Aaron Revel, Stephen Evans November 2025
November 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Department for Business and Trade announcement on unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill:

“Ending the Parliamentary log jam on the Employment Rights Bill is a positive step... (1/7)
November 27, 2025 at 6:43 PM
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Yesterday, we welcomed the announcement of £820m to support young people into work.

But @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social warned of a risk the "Youth Guarantee will be too blunt an instrument" to support young people employment - featuring in this @BBCNews article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reeves unveils £820m funding to support jobless young people
The funding will help guarantee paid work placements for 18 to 21-year-olds
www.bbc.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:38 AM
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Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget ⬇️

“It is welcome the Chancellor has attempted to bear down on cost of living pressures facing millions of UK workers while taking action to boost the economy. (1/7)
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
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After months of speculation, the Chancellor will step up to deliver the Budget Statement tomorrow.

@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the key steps the Chancellor can take to improve working lives and living standards during the remainder of the Parliament: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Autumn Budget 2025 - Work Foundation priorities 1. Fast-track funding for employment support and connect to job creation plans to reduce the risk of long-term unemployment 2. Provide the necessary resources to address health related economic inactivity 3. Resist returning to welfare cuts that would harm jobseekers, workers and undermine long-term growth 4. Resource the employment enforcement system to protect workers’ rights. Logos of Lancaster University and the Work Foundation.
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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When the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Budget on 26 Nov, she will do so at a time of a slowing labour market & against a backdrop of deep political & economic uncertainty.

@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Chancellor: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
A pivotal budget for good jobs and economic growth - Lancaster University
When the Chancellor steps up to deliver the Budget Statement on 26 November, she will do so against a backdrop of deep political and economic uncertainty and persistent pressure on the public finances...
www.lancaster.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:46 AM