David Spencer
@davidaspencer.bsky.social
Prof of Economics and Political Economy (Uni of Leeds, UK).
Work; Work Time; Work Reform. Authored: "Making Light Work" (2022) https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=making-light-work-an-end-to-toil-in-the-twenty-first-century--9781509548620
Work; Work Time; Work Reform. Authored: "Making Light Work" (2022) https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=making-light-work-an-end-to-toil-in-the-twenty-first-century--9781509548620
Great cyclist. His loss and win on the Colle delle Finestre in the Giro remain iconic (I watched both live) www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
Simon Yates announces retirement with immediate effect
Two-time Grand Tour winner Simon Yates announces his retirement from cycling with immediate effect.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Great cyclist. His loss and win on the Colle delle Finestre in the Giro remain iconic (I watched both live) www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cyclin...
Maybe we should respect his right to privacy - a real Leeds legend, btw #lufc www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Newcastle v Leeds: What happened to David Batty?
England midfielder David Batty vowed to have
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Maybe we should respect his right to privacy - a real Leeds legend, btw #lufc www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
An irony is that in a world of supposedly super intelligent AI, predictions like this are given any credence. Maybe the real issue is unintelligent AI hype fuelled by a largely gullible media? www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Leading AI expert delays timeline for its possible destruction of humanity
Former OpenAI employee Daniel Kokotajlo says progress to AGI is ‘somewhat slower’ than first predicted
www.theguardian.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:43 AM
An irony is that in a world of supposedly super intelligent AI, predictions like this are given any credence. Maybe the real issue is unintelligent AI hype fuelled by a largely gullible media? www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Interesting piece on the costs of overwork but if these costs are to be tackled more decisively then we need to contemplate cuts in regular working hours www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The perfect way to switch off from work: the secret to a daily de-stress routine
The boundaries between work and leisure are being blurred, but it’s vital for your health to learn how to turn off. Whether you do your job from home or not, here’s how to reset and reclaim your priva...
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Interesting piece on the costs of overwork but if these costs are to be tackled more decisively then we need to contemplate cuts in regular working hours www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The Guardian working from the false premise that most people have choice over when and how they work, thereby missing the realities of wage-labour - the guy in the photo, ironically, speaks more to the constraints of work than any fancy notion of "microshifting" www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...
The one-hour work pattern: is ‘microshifting’ the secret to a happy, balanced life?
If the nine-to-five is getting in the way of your childcare routine, gym sessions or side hustle, this new form of flexible working could be the answer
www.theguardian.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
The Guardian working from the false premise that most people have choice over when and how they work, thereby missing the realities of wage-labour - the guy in the photo, ironically, speaks more to the constraints of work than any fancy notion of "microshifting" www.theguardian.com/money/2026/j...
Quite a moment. To be hopes he can deliver on the strong rhetoric www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Zohran Mamdani promises ‘new era’ for New York City in first speech as mayor
Mayor says ‘I will govern as a democratic socialist’ at inauguration ceremony featuring AOC and Bernie Sanders
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Quite a moment. To be hopes he can deliver on the strong rhetoric www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Having worked many hours on the topic of work time reduction this resistance from government is unsurprising (it reflects the deep political obstacles to reform). A shorter working week must be part of the future of work but it will take time and effort to win www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Councils warned against adopting four-day week
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed has told council leaders to not introduce four-day working weeks.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Having worked many hours on the topic of work time reduction this resistance from government is unsurprising (it reflects the deep political obstacles to reform). A shorter working week must be part of the future of work but it will take time and effort to win www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Still time for me to turn my love of my darts into a full time profession? www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
PDC World Championship 2026: Paul Lim, 71, on being oldest winner, darts in Asia and facing Luke Humphries
PDC World Championship history-maker Paul Lim, 71, discusses his longevity in darts as he prepares to face Luke Humphries at Alexandra Palace.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Still time for me to turn my love of my darts into a full time profession? www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
More late capitalism but then it will sow the seeds for something better (we hope) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Unashamedly capitalist’ rewilders claim ‘Moneyball’ approach could make millions – but experts sceptical
Rich Stockdale says model of ‘regenerative capitalism’ would maximise profits by planting trees, restoring peatlands, and installing windfarms across its estates
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:36 PM
More late capitalism but then it will sow the seeds for something better (we hope) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
We had a tram system up to the late 1950s then lost it as the car was seen as the 'transport of the future', now we have to wait years for a new scheme. Meanwhile, we face a poor transport system (probably the worst of any large European city). Typical Leeds www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Leeds £2.5bn tram scheme delayed to late 2030s after government review
Business case must be submitted for mass transit system with lines connecting Leeds and Bradford before work continues
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We had a tram system up to the late 1950s then lost it as the car was seen as the 'transport of the future', now we have to wait years for a new scheme. Meanwhile, we face a poor transport system (probably the worst of any large European city). Typical Leeds www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
A supply-side response may not have much of an impact if there are barriers on the demand side inhibiting people (young and old) getting into work www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Our young people aren’t shirkers or snowflakes - they were failed by government policy. That changes now | Pat McFadden
The number of ‘neets’ is skyrocketing in Britain, another Tory failure. Labour’s plans for apprenticeships and training funds will turn this around, says secretary of state for work and pensions Pat M...
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:27 AM
A supply-side response may not have much of an impact if there are barriers on the demand side inhibiting people (young and old) getting into work www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Much attention has been given to high inflation and high levels of economic inactivity - it is evident now that the focus needs to switch to the rise in unemployment which we know will harm many lives www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK unemployment rate rises slightly to 5.1%
Unemployment rises slightly as job vacancies flatline in a
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Much attention has been given to high inflation and high levels of economic inactivity - it is evident now that the focus needs to switch to the rise in unemployment which we know will harm many lives www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Verdant - a new thinktank focused on economics and ecology (to be funded via “philanthropic organizations and high-net-worth individuals”) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
UK Greens Try to Get Serious on Economy as Party Climbs UK Polls
A new economic think tank linked to the UK’s Green Party is set to launch in the new year, as the left-wing party seeks to fend off criticism that it doesn’t understand the economy.
www.bloomberg.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Verdant - a new thinktank focused on economics and ecology (to be funded via “philanthropic organizations and high-net-worth individuals”) www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by David Spencer
Pleased to see this paper now published - in it, I examine the status of Keynes as a post-growth economist www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Keynes as a post-growth economist
Some key aspects of J.M. Keynes's economics are reassessed, showing how they fit with and can add to a modern post-growth economics. While Keynes favo…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Pleased to see this paper now published - in it, I examine the status of Keynes as a post-growth economist www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
A welcome move - though despite talk of "win-win" outcomes, the transition to a four-day working week will likely be contested www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Ribble Valley MP calls for debate on four-day working week - BBC News
Maya Ellis believes working a condensed week will benefit both staff and employers.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
A welcome move - though despite talk of "win-win" outcomes, the transition to a four-day working week will likely be contested www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A signal perhaps that monetary policy is not the only lever available to curb inflation www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Budget could knock half a percentage point off inflation, Bank chief says
Bank of England deputy governor Clare Lombardelli said inflation would be brought down by measures cutting energy prices and freezing rail fares.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:35 AM
A signal perhaps that monetary policy is not the only lever available to curb inflation www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pleased to see this paper now published - in it, I examine the status of Keynes as a post-growth economist www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Keynes as a post-growth economist
Some key aspects of J.M. Keynes's economics are reassessed, showing how they fit with and can add to a modern post-growth economics. While Keynes favo…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Pleased to see this paper now published - in it, I examine the status of Keynes as a post-growth economist www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
“Rich Baker” - a new high for nominative determinism
A new start after 60: I moved on to a boat, fell in love – then opened my own restaurant
A new start after 60: I moved on to a boat, fell in love – then opened my own restaurant
After a lifetime of working for others, Rich Baker threw caution to the wind. The result was a national award for his pizza and a surprising surge in confidence
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
“Rich Baker” - a new high for nominative determinism
A review must be all-encompassing moving beyond claims of overdiagnosis to consider how the nature of life and work under present conditions creates depression and anxiety www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Streeting orders review into mental health and ADHD diagnoses
The health secretary says the aim is to tackle a rising demand for services and pressure on the NHS.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
A review must be all-encompassing moving beyond claims of overdiagnosis to consider how the nature of life and work under present conditions creates depression and anxiety www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
No, laziness is a reaction to the irksomeness of work www.theguardian.com/books/2025/n...
Does ‘laziness’ start in the brain?
Understanding the surprising mechanism behind apathy can help unlock scientific ways to boost your motivation
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:46 PM
No, laziness is a reaction to the irksomeness of work www.theguardian.com/books/2025/n...
They promised us flying cars so we might live better lives - instead we get submarine drones that could threaten our lives www.theguardian.com/business/202...
‘A step-change’: tech firms battle for undersea dominance with submarine drones
As navies seek to counter submarines and protect cables, startups and big defence companies fight to lead market
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:47 AM
They promised us flying cars so we might live better lives - instead we get submarine drones that could threaten our lives www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Invoking the idea of feudalism to describe the current economic formation is surely an error — capitalism persists despite its failings www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
How Amazon turned our capitalist era of free markets into the age of technofeudalism | Yanis Varoufakis
Amazon Web Services owns the basic infrastructure for other businesses to operate online, turning even governments into its serfs, says the leader of MeRA25, Yanis Varoufakis
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Invoking the idea of feudalism to describe the current economic formation is surely an error — capitalism persists despite its failings www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This is a good move (if the borrowing is used wisely) though the risk of incurring the wrath of the bond markets remains. We need to imagine a system where the power of investors in bond markets is reduced (Keynes had something to say about this) www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Scottish government aiming to issue first bonds in 2026-27
Scottish ministers wants to use bonds to raise money from investors to fund infrastructure projects.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:24 PM
This is a good move (if the borrowing is used wisely) though the risk of incurring the wrath of the bond markets remains. We need to imagine a system where the power of investors in bond markets is reduced (Keynes had something to say about this) www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
"One feature of capitalism is its ability to create work for people to do. A world without work is incompatible with capitalism," says me in this piece on AI and job loss - heartening to see a link to my book here www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture...
‘They said it was more cost effective’: The young workers replaced by AI
In recent years, the AI boom has sparked global panic about long-term job security. For an unlucky few, AI has come for their jobs already
www.dazeddigital.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:53 AM
"One feature of capitalism is its ability to create work for people to do. A world without work is incompatible with capitalism," says me in this piece on AI and job loss - heartening to see a link to my book here www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture...
Ironically, the government's stance against a four-day working week seems likely only to increase support for it as a societal goal www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Business and charity leaders urge ministers to lead England’s transition to four-day week
Open letter signed by more than 100 leaders comes after local government secretary criticised a council for switching to shorter week
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Ironically, the government's stance against a four-day working week seems likely only to increase support for it as a societal goal www.theguardian.com/business/202...