Louise Woodruff
@louisewoodruff.bsky.social
Senior Policy Adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Care, work and poverty. Also York. Views here my own.
Powerful message to Government from the Women and Equalities Committee in their new report on parental leave published today – paternity leave in the UK is outdated and unequal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Paternity leave in UK is outdated and unequal, say MPs
A report says dads should be paid 80% of earnings and allowed six weeks off work when they have a child.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Powerful message to Government from the Women and Equalities Committee in their new report on parental leave published today – paternity leave in the UK is outdated and unequal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
'Taxpayers are currently paying £32 billion a year for a broken system.'
We count too often the cost of acting rather than the cost of not acting. This is good from DHSC committee.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We count too often the cost of acting rather than the cost of not acting. This is good from DHSC committee.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Doing nothing on social care is untenable, MPs warn
The report says failure to fix England's social care system carries an unknown human and financial cost.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
'Taxpayers are currently paying £32 billion a year for a broken system.'
We count too often the cost of acting rather than the cost of not acting. This is good from DHSC committee.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We count too often the cost of acting rather than the cost of not acting. This is good from DHSC committee.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
📣Six weeks’ paternity leave at 90% of average earnings could deliver a net economic gain of £2.68bn per year
@tanyasingh99.bsky.socials fabulous economic analysis with @jrf-uk.bsky.social featured in @financialtimes.com yesterday and in a new blog on the CPP site today 👏
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
@tanyasingh99.bsky.socials fabulous economic analysis with @jrf-uk.bsky.social featured in @financialtimes.com yesterday and in a new blog on the CPP site today 👏
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
April 30, 2025 at 2:11 PM
📣Six weeks’ paternity leave at 90% of average earnings could deliver a net economic gain of £2.68bn per year
@tanyasingh99.bsky.socials fabulous economic analysis with @jrf-uk.bsky.social featured in @financialtimes.com yesterday and in a new blog on the CPP site today 👏
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
@tanyasingh99.bsky.socials fabulous economic analysis with @jrf-uk.bsky.social featured in @financialtimes.com yesterday and in a new blog on the CPP site today 👏
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
🚨 Britain’s paternity leave system is failing families - and the economy.
New analysis from The Centre for Progressive Policy and @jrf-uk.bsky.social shows that offering 6 weeks of paternity leave at 90% pay could deliver a £2.68bn net economic boost each year👇
🧵1/3
New analysis from The Centre for Progressive Policy and @jrf-uk.bsky.social shows that offering 6 weeks of paternity leave at 90% pay could deliver a £2.68bn net economic boost each year👇
🧵1/3
UK’s paternity leave entitlement is worst in Europe – just 2 weeks on low pay
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
April 29, 2025 at 11:54 AM
🚨 Britain’s paternity leave system is failing families - and the economy.
New analysis from The Centre for Progressive Policy and @jrf-uk.bsky.social shows that offering 6 weeks of paternity leave at 90% pay could deliver a £2.68bn net economic boost each year👇
🧵1/3
New analysis from The Centre for Progressive Policy and @jrf-uk.bsky.social shows that offering 6 weeks of paternity leave at 90% pay could deliver a £2.68bn net economic boost each year👇
🧵1/3
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
UK’s paternity leave entitlement is worst in Europe – just 2 weeks on low pay
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
April 29, 2025 at 8:37 AM
UK’s paternity leave entitlement is worst in Europe – just 2 weeks on low pay
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
NEW analysis from @jrf-uk.bsky.social & @centrepropolicy.bsky.social shows how improving paternity leave can boost UK growth
Data from countries with more generous leave shows it tackles gender norms & helps women into work, with an economy-wide benefit of £2.8bn
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
Data from countries with more generous leave shows it tackles gender norms & helps women into work, with an economy-wide benefit of £2.8bn
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
MPs urge Rachel Reeves to extend paternity leave
Calls come as research suggests UK economy would benefit from more generous offering to new fathers
www.ft.com
April 29, 2025 at 7:23 AM
NEW analysis from @jrf-uk.bsky.social & @centrepropolicy.bsky.social shows how improving paternity leave can boost UK growth
Data from countries with more generous leave shows it tackles gender norms & helps women into work, with an economy-wide benefit of £2.8bn
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
Data from countries with more generous leave shows it tackles gender norms & helps women into work, with an economy-wide benefit of £2.8bn
www.ft.com/content/5c4a...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
The UK's paternity leave offer is pitiful and low income dads are locked out of enhanced support because their employers don't offer it or they're not entitled.
Self employed dads fare worst.
Self employed dads fare worst.
April 29, 2025 at 7:23 AM
The UK's paternity leave offer is pitiful and low income dads are locked out of enhanced support because their employers don't offer it or they're not entitled.
Self employed dads fare worst.
Self employed dads fare worst.
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
Where will the cuts to sickness & disability benefits hit hardest?
New @jrf-uk.bsky.social constituency analysis shows the % of working age people receiving these benefits in England & Wales.
Some MP inboxes are likely to be brimming, as concern about these plans is widespread
New @jrf-uk.bsky.social constituency analysis shows the % of working age people receiving these benefits in England & Wales.
Some MP inboxes are likely to be brimming, as concern about these plans is widespread
April 2, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Where will the cuts to sickness & disability benefits hit hardest?
New @jrf-uk.bsky.social constituency analysis shows the % of working age people receiving these benefits in England & Wales.
Some MP inboxes are likely to be brimming, as concern about these plans is widespread
New @jrf-uk.bsky.social constituency analysis shows the % of working age people receiving these benefits in England & Wales.
Some MP inboxes are likely to be brimming, as concern about these plans is widespread
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
At the Budget, we called for the Government to unfreeze LHA so that it was tied to local rents. This didn't happen.
The result? Just 2.5% of private rentals in England are affordable for people on housing benefit.
Read more in this report from @healthequals.bsky.social and @crisis-uk.bsky.social 👇
The result? Just 2.5% of private rentals in England are affordable for people on housing benefit.
Read more in this report from @healthequals.bsky.social and @crisis-uk.bsky.social 👇
Right now, unaffordable rents & housing benefits that don’t cover the cost are leaving many struggling to keep a decent roof over their heads – and it's affecting their health. 🏠
With our support, @crisis-uk.bsky.social's new campaign shines a light on the extent of this housing crisis. 🧵
With our support, @crisis-uk.bsky.social's new campaign shines a light on the extent of this housing crisis. 🧵
Health Equals | Campaigning for affordable rents with Crisis
The housing affordability crisis in the UK is forcing people into homelessness and unfit accommodation that harms their health.
healthequals.org.uk
April 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM
At the Budget, we called for the Government to unfreeze LHA so that it was tied to local rents. This didn't happen.
The result? Just 2.5% of private rentals in England are affordable for people on housing benefit.
Read more in this report from @healthequals.bsky.social and @crisis-uk.bsky.social 👇
The result? Just 2.5% of private rentals in England are affordable for people on housing benefit.
Read more in this report from @healthequals.bsky.social and @crisis-uk.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
I'm hiring!
Looking for a smart policy and/or influencing person for a 9 month post, working across a number of our policy areas incl work & housing.
It's a pivotal time to be working on social policy!
Come join us - applications close on 10th April.
www.jrf.org.uk/careers
Looking for a smart policy and/or influencing person for a 9 month post, working across a number of our policy areas incl work & housing.
It's a pivotal time to be working on social policy!
Come join us - applications close on 10th April.
www.jrf.org.uk/careers
Careers
Do you want to help build a more equitable and just future, free from poverty? Join us and use your skills to make a real difference.
www.jrf.org.uk
March 24, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I'm hiring!
Looking for a smart policy and/or influencing person for a 9 month post, working across a number of our policy areas incl work & housing.
It's a pivotal time to be working on social policy!
Come join us - applications close on 10th April.
www.jrf.org.uk/careers
Looking for a smart policy and/or influencing person for a 9 month post, working across a number of our policy areas incl work & housing.
It's a pivotal time to be working on social policy!
Come join us - applications close on 10th April.
www.jrf.org.uk/careers
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
As our Policy Adviser you will work across a number of policy areas, including work, care, housing and more.
Location: Hybrid - York or London
Salary: £37,546.60 (+ London weighting)
9 Months Fixed Term Contract
📝 Apply here: jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/c... 2/2
Location: Hybrid - York or London
Salary: £37,546.60 (+ London weighting)
9 Months Fixed Term Contract
📝 Apply here: jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/c... 2/2
Octo Candidates - Application Form - Vacancy Details
jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk
March 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
As our Policy Adviser you will work across a number of policy areas, including work, care, housing and more.
Location: Hybrid - York or London
Salary: £37,546.60 (+ London weighting)
9 Months Fixed Term Contract
📝 Apply here: jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/c... 2/2
Location: Hybrid - York or London
Salary: £37,546.60 (+ London weighting)
9 Months Fixed Term Contract
📝 Apply here: jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/c... 2/2
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
NEW: Analysis from @jrf-uk.bsky.social ahead of the Chancellor’s spring statement this week shows families worse off by £1400 by 2030.
This would mean missing the PM’s living standards milestone and could be the first government since 1955 to see a fall in living standards across a parliament.
This would mean missing the PM’s living standards milestone and could be the first government since 1955 to see a fall in living standards across a parliament.
March 23, 2025 at 8:55 AM
NEW: Analysis from @jrf-uk.bsky.social ahead of the Chancellor’s spring statement this week shows families worse off by £1400 by 2030.
This would mean missing the PM’s living standards milestone and could be the first government since 1955 to see a fall in living standards across a parliament.
This would mean missing the PM’s living standards milestone and could be the first government since 1955 to see a fall in living standards across a parliament.
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
📢 GREAT JOB ALERT 📢
Help us at @jrf-uk.bsky.social ensure that every single pound of our endowment supports rather than undermines our mission www.linkedin.com/posts/sophia...
Help us at @jrf-uk.bsky.social ensure that every single pound of our endowment supports rather than undermines our mission www.linkedin.com/posts/sophia...
Associate Director – Investment | Sophia Parker
JOB ALERT: Associate Director - Investment
When I moved into philanthropy a few years ago, I couldn't get over the paradox that lives in plain sight in most…
www.linkedin.com
March 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM
📢 GREAT JOB ALERT 📢
Help us at @jrf-uk.bsky.social ensure that every single pound of our endowment supports rather than undermines our mission www.linkedin.com/posts/sophia...
Help us at @jrf-uk.bsky.social ensure that every single pound of our endowment supports rather than undermines our mission www.linkedin.com/posts/sophia...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
Big picture today is Government chose to cut unprecedented £5bn of income from disabled people at highest risk of hardship. This drive for cost savings undermines any positive changes contained in the disability benefits green paper.
Here are some other big problems:🧵1/11
Here are some other big problems:🧵1/11
March 18, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Big picture today is Government chose to cut unprecedented £5bn of income from disabled people at highest risk of hardship. This drive for cost savings undermines any positive changes contained in the disability benefits green paper.
Here are some other big problems:🧵1/11
Here are some other big problems:🧵1/11
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
Read the full @jrf-uk.bsky.social response here www.jrf.org.uk/news/governm...
Government fails to make moral choice if cuts rob disabled people of a dignified life
No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without the very support that is designed to allow them to lead a dignified life.
www.jrf.org.uk
March 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Read the full @jrf-uk.bsky.social response here www.jrf.org.uk/news/governm...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall's speech today laid out plans to cut disability and sickness benefits by billions.
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
Liz Kendall unveils UK benefits cuts set to leave many sick and disabled worse off
Liz Kendall unveils UK benefits cuts set to leave many sick and disabled worse off
Welfare secretary announces changes aimed at cutting bill by up to £5bn in face of opposition from Labour MPs
* UK politics live – latest updates
Liz Kendall, the welfare secretary, has faced down angry Labour MPs to unveil drastic cuts to the UK’s…
www.theguardian.com
March 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall's speech today laid out plans to cut disability and sickness benefits by billions.
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
❌ No truly moral choice would leave disabled people without support designed to allow them to lead a dignified life, or facing hardship. 1/4
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
88% of low-income households who receive disability benefits were going without the essentials in the 6 months to Oct 📢
59% had to take out a loan to cover the cost of essentials. 53% were in arrears.
Our COL tracker: www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Anushka Asthana on @itvpeston.bsky.social
59% had to take out a loan to cover the cost of essentials. 53% were in arrears.
Our COL tracker: www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Anushka Asthana on @itvpeston.bsky.social
January 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM
88% of low-income households who receive disability benefits were going without the essentials in the 6 months to Oct 📢
59% had to take out a loan to cover the cost of essentials. 53% were in arrears.
Our COL tracker: www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Anushka Asthana on @itvpeston.bsky.social
59% had to take out a loan to cover the cost of essentials. 53% were in arrears.
Our COL tracker: www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-livi...
Anushka Asthana on @itvpeston.bsky.social
Luke Charters MP at PMQs today raising improving paternity leave and sharing new @jrf-uk.bsky.social and @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling which shows increasing statutory paternity leave to 6 weeks (with pay at 90% of earnings) could result in economic gains of £2.6bn in the near term.
January 29, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Luke Charters MP at PMQs today raising improving paternity leave and sharing new @jrf-uk.bsky.social and @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling which shows increasing statutory paternity leave to 6 weeks (with pay at 90% of earnings) could result in economic gains of £2.6bn in the near term.
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
At PMQs today, I’ll be outlining the economic opportunities we can create by improving paternity leave.
This is about ensuring dads across the UK can play a meaningful part in their children’s lives while delivering an extra £2.6bn annually of economic growth.
This is about ensuring dads across the UK can play a meaningful part in their children’s lives while delivering an extra £2.6bn annually of economic growth.
Improving Paternity Leave Provisions Could Boost The Economy By £2.6bn
Expanding the statutory level of paternity leave for fathers could deliver £2.6bn of long-term growth to the UK economy, according to new research.
buff.ly
January 29, 2025 at 9:46 AM
At PMQs today, I’ll be outlining the economic opportunities we can create by improving paternity leave.
This is about ensuring dads across the UK can play a meaningful part in their children’s lives while delivering an extra £2.6bn annually of economic growth.
This is about ensuring dads across the UK can play a meaningful part in their children’s lives while delivering an extra £2.6bn annually of economic growth.
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
Growth alone won't tackle poverty but poverty reduction measures generate growth - like a paternity pay system which helps mums care less and work more.
With @centrepropolicy.bsky.social we've estimated the growth impacts could be big. Government should be acting now.
With @centrepropolicy.bsky.social we've estimated the growth impacts could be big. Government should be acting now.
The UK has the worst paternity leave offer in Europe. Glad that Luke Charters MP is raising this issue in the Commons today. We found increasing statutory paternity leave to a better paid 6 weeks offer could boost the UK Economy by over £2bn in the near term. www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Improving Paternity Leave Provisions Could Boost The Economy By £2.6bn
Expanding the statutory level of paternity leave for fathers could deliver £2.6bn of long-term growth to the UK economy, according to new research.
www.politicshome.com
January 29, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Growth alone won't tackle poverty but poverty reduction measures generate growth - like a paternity pay system which helps mums care less and work more.
With @centrepropolicy.bsky.social we've estimated the growth impacts could be big. Government should be acting now.
With @centrepropolicy.bsky.social we've estimated the growth impacts could be big. Government should be acting now.
The UK has the worst paternity leave offer in Europe. Glad that Luke Charters MP is raising this issue in the Commons today. We found increasing statutory paternity leave to a better paid 6 weeks offer could boost the UK Economy by over £2bn in the near term. www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Improving Paternity Leave Provisions Could Boost The Economy By £2.6bn
Expanding the statutory level of paternity leave for fathers could deliver £2.6bn of long-term growth to the UK economy, according to new research.
www.politicshome.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:54 AM
The UK has the worst paternity leave offer in Europe. Glad that Luke Charters MP is raising this issue in the Commons today. We found increasing statutory paternity leave to a better paid 6 weeks offer could boost the UK Economy by over £2bn in the near term. www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
New JRF poverty statistics show that tackling child poverty demands action through social security. Growth alone won’t stop children and families going without.
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
January 29, 2025 at 8:22 AM
New JRF poverty statistics show that tackling child poverty demands action through social security. Growth alone won’t stop children and families going without.
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
January 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
Reposted by Louise Woodruff
This year the UK Govt say they will publish an 'ambitious' cross-government child poverty strategy
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
January 29, 2025 at 7:51 AM
This year the UK Govt say they will publish an 'ambitious' cross-government child poverty strategy
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5
Any respectable child poverty strategy must include action on social security including to abolish the two-child limit and introduce a protected minimum amount of support to UC 5/5