Work Foundation
LightNews LightNews
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.
Posts Replies Media Videos
workfoundation.bsky.social
Is the era of rapid increases in the minimum wage over?

In April, the National Living Wage will rises to £12.71. The 4.1% increase is the lowest in percentage terms for 11 years.

@aman93.bsky.social asks if we are seeing a change of policy direction: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Graph on national minimum wage rises in the UK, showing that the National Living Wage (aged 21+) is at £12.71, the national minimum wage for those aged 21-22 is at £10.85 and the 16-17 rate is at £8.00.
January 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
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
workfoundation.bsky.social
The latest release from the ONS showed that 946,000 young people aged 16-24 were not in education, employment or training.

Our Principal Analyst, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social, commented on the latest stats. See full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Quote of Rebecca Florisson, Principal Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “Today’s data shows that the number of young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training remains stubbornly close to one million. "With unemployment across the labour market rising and vacancies having declined over the last 12 months, there is a serious risk more young people will slip into long-term worklessness without further Government intervention." Lancaster University logo Work Foundation logo
November 20, 2025 at 11:11 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
WORK MATTERS: Join us on Wednesday between 14.00-15.00 to discuss what the labour market & inflation statistics mean for the decisions facing the Government at the Autumn Budget feat @duncanweldon.bsky.social, @helenbarnard.bsky.social & Suren Thiru.

Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 19 November 2025 | Online A Budget for economic and labour market renewal? As the Autumn Budget approaches, the Chancellor is facing tough choices against a backdrop of continued sluggish growth, a cooling labour market, constrained public finances and a political imperative to deliver the kinds of changes that ensure voters feel better off during this Parliament. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to review the latest labour market and inflation statistics and discuss how the Chancellor can improve living standards. Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Trussell Suren Thiru, Economics Director, ICAEW Duncan Weldon, Economist, broadcaster & writer Work Foundation logo
November 17, 2025 at 10:08 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
The latest labour market statistics from the ONS indicate the UK jobs market is losing momentum as unemployment rises to a four year high.

@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social explores the latest data in this article, including the rise of zero-hour contracts: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Graph showing unemployment at 5.0% in July - Sept 2025 - the highest for four years. Graph showing levels of zero-hour contracts. The current level is 1.2 million, just below the record of 1.22m (April-Jun 2023).
November 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
ONLINE EVENT: Join us next Wednesday between 14.00-15.00 to discuss what the labour market & inflation statistics mean for the decisions facing the Government at the Autumn Budget feat @duncanweldon.bsky.social, @helenbarnard.bsky.social & Suren Thiru.

Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
WORK MATTERS 2025 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 19 November 2025 | Online A Budget for economic and labour market renewal? As the Autumn Budget approaches, the Chancellor is facing tough choices against a backdrop of continued sluggish growth, a cooling labour market, constrained public finances and a political imperative to deliver the kinds of changes that ensure voters feel better off during this Parliament. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to review the latest labour market and inflation statistics and discuss how the Chancellor can improve living standards. Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Trussell Suren Thiru, Economics Director, ICAEW Duncan Weldon, Economist, broadcaster & writer Work Foundation logo
November 10, 2025 at 11:48 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
But the rise isn’t spread evenly:
📈 Up 3–4pp in the North East, North West & Wales.
📉 Down 1–2pp in London & parts of the South East.
Rural & coastal areas have been hit hardest — while many urban centres have recovered faster. (3/5)
Map of the UK showing change in economic inactivity among working age population 2018-21.
October 31, 2025 at 2:03 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
Since 2020, inactivity among 16–64s has risen from 20.3% to 22.2% — that’s an extra 565,000 people out of the labour market. As of mid-2025, inactivity in the UK remains 0.7 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels — making the UK an outlier amongst major economies. (2/5)
Graph showing change in economic inactivity rate (percentage points) between 2019-24 in selected countries with UK seeing the largest rises.
October 31, 2025 at 2:02 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
🏆Our #ResearchOfTheMonth goes to @city-redi.bsky.social at @unibirmingham.bsky.social for 'Understanding the UK’s Rise in Economic Inactivity Since 2020'.

It explores the uneven rise, with rural areas & peripheral towns recording largest increases. (1/5)

Read: www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/cen...
October 31, 2025 at 2:02 PM
workfoundation.bsky.social
These findings highlight that the Employment Rights Bill has the potential to significantly improve access to secure work in the UK. To fully realise its benefits, we set out a series of recommendations.

Read the full report here (5/5): www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Recommendations 1. Ensure the potential of the Employment Rights Bill is maximised and safeguard the core purpose of the reforms in primary and secondary legislation 2. Allow for a smooth transition for employers and workers as the Employment Rights is implemented 3. Guarantee the Employment Rights Bill is appropriately enforced and its impact is monitored.
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
The impact of day 1 dismissal rights depends on the length of statutory probation period adopted. If a six-month probation period was implemented, estimates suggest:
> severely insecure work would fall by 1.2 million people - from 6.8 million (21.4%) to 5.6 million (17.7%) (3/5)
Change in levels of job security in 2023 under new proposed day one rights with different probationary periods. Secure work Current (two years): 44.1% / 13.9m One year: 51.7% / 16.2m Six months: 56.7% / 17.8m Three months: 58.7% / 18.4m Low/moderate insecurity Current (two years): 34.6% / 10.9m One year: 29.0% / 9.1m Six months: 25.6% / 8.0m Three months: 24.3% / 7.6m Severe insecurity Current (two years): 21.4% / 6.8m One year: 19.4% / 6.1m Six months: 17.8% / 5.6m Three months: 17.0% / 5.4m Work Foundation and Lancaster University Management School logos
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
workfoundation.bsky.social
ONLINE EVENT: Join us on Tuesday 4 November between 14.00 - 15.00 to explore new research looking at the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on levels of insecure work across the country.

Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/increasing...
Online event Increasing job security in the UK 14.00 - 15.00 | Tuesday 4 November 2025 | Online Work insecurity has been a persistent feature of the UK labour market for over two decades. The Government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill represents a significant opportunity to reduce labour market insecurity in the UK over the coming years – but only if key reforms are delivered in full. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to explore new research looking at the potential impact of two key reforms in the Bill – the introduction of new day one employment rights and zero-hour contract regulation – on levels of insecure work across the country. Speakers: > Ben Harrison, Work Foundation at Lancaster University > Rebecca Florisson, Work Foundation at Lancaster University > Lord Hendy, Institute of Employment Rights and barrister > Shazia Ejaz, Recruitment and Employment Confederation > Kate Nightingale, Young Women's Trust Work Foundation logo.
October 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM