The Work Foundation is a leading think tank for improving work in the UK. Part of @LancasterManage at Lancaster Uni. Bluesky: https://nitter.cf/t.co/wLadZon5GQ
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ALT Front cover of the Work Foundation’s report with titled: ‘No Progress? Tackling long-term insecure work.’ Tag Ben, Aman, Alice, Rebecca
ALT Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Chancellor's Budget risks being a stopgap "It is welcome that the Chancellor has today introduced additional short-term measures to ease cost of living pressures and set a direction of travel on delivering good growth in every postcode. But this risks being a stopgap Budget. It is likely to fall short of the support workers most vulnerable to rising prices need in 2027 and misses the opportunity to lay more of the fiscal foundations for bigger reforms in the future." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
ALT Tackling jobs droughts: 14.00 - 15.00 | Tuesday 3 November 2026 | Online Why the UK needs a Community Jobs Fund Jobs droughts are a growing challenge for the UK labour market, with some local areas having experienced virtually no employment growth in two decades. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to explore new research proposing a Community Jobs Fund that could create up to 54,000 paid jobs for young people in areas facing the toughest labour market conditions. Our authors will examine how lessons from international approaches could help local leaders tackle jobs droughts today. Alice Martin Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University George Williams Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Christopher Wood Senior Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Work Foundation logo
ALT Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University "Today's figures show a fall in unemployment, but the Government should not be complacent ahead of next week’s Budget. The UK is still amidst a jobs drought with vacancies at their lowest for over 12 years outside of the pandemic. "For too many young people there are simply not enough suitable jobs available to them. Overall, vacancies have fallen to 691,000 – the lowest level outside the pandemic since 2014 – while Work Foundation research shows that adverts for starter jobs have almost halved over the past."
ALT Aman Navani Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “Today’s labour market figures reveal the Chancellor faces a significant challenge at the Budget as subdued private sector wage growth and rising prices means millions of workers are still waiting for recent economic growth to reach their pay packets. “Early public sector pay awards have helped lift overall nominal wage growth to 3.7%, but average real earnings for private sector employees are £1.60 per week lower than a year ago. “The Chancellor must use next week’s Budget to protect the living standards of those under greatest pressure. "
ALT Front cover of report. No one left behind: Creating community starter jobs where they are needed most. George Williams, Christopher Wood and Alice Martin October 2026 Work Foundation logo
ALT UK Community Jobs Fund Map of the UK with places highlighted in red for pilot and blue for full programme. 12 place pilot would reach around 11,000 young people aged 18-24. 80 place programme would reach up to 54,000 young people. Work Foundation logo Lancaster University logo
ALT WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 16 September 2026 | Online How can Government boost jobs, pay and living standards? The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Unemployment has risen to 4.9%, while vacancies have fallen to their lowest level outside the pandemic for more than a decade. Inflation remains above target and pay growth is slowing, raising concerns that progress on living standards could stall. As politicians head for party conference season, and the Government looks ahead to the Budget, what does a cooling labour market mean for workers, employers and policymakers? Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Nicola Parkinson Group Head of People, Eric Wright Group Sanjay Raja Chief UK Economist, Deutsche Bank Prof Hilary Ingham Head of Economics, Lancaster University Work Foundation logo
ALT WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 16 September 2026 | Online How can Government boost jobs, pay and living standards? The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Unemployment has risen to 4.9%, while vacancies have fallen to their lowest level outside the pandemic for more than a decade. Inflation remains above target and pay growth is slowing, raising concerns that progress on living standards could stall. As politicians head for party conference season, and the Government looks ahead to the Budget, what does a cooling labour market mean for workers, employers and policymakers? Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Nicola Parkinson Group Head of People, Eric Wright Group Sanjay Raja Chief UK Economist, Deutsche Bank Prof Hilary Ingham Head of Economics, Lancaster University Work Foundation logo
ALT Tuesday 8 September | 14.00 - 15.00 | Online Reducing youth economic inactivity The role of metro mayors Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire — Keynote Alice Martin, Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Elaine Bowker, Principal & Chief Executive, The City of Liverpool College Michelle Burton, Head of Employment and Skills, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities (chair). Work Foundation and Centre for Cities logos.