Rebecca Florisson
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social
Principal Analyst at the Work Foundation and part- time PhD at Queen Mary Uni of London. Insecure work, labour markets, data. Opinions my own.
This month’s labour market data shows a jobs market losing momentum.
Unemployment has risen to 5.0%, the highest since the pandemic, with 1.79 million people now looking for work.
But what’s most concerning isn’t inflow — it’s outflow. People are finding it harder to get back into work. 🧵
Unemployment has risen to 5.0%, the highest since the pandemic, with 1.79 million people now looking for work.
But what’s most concerning isn’t inflow — it’s outflow. People are finding it harder to get back into work. 🧵
November 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
This month’s labour market data shows a jobs market losing momentum.
Unemployment has risen to 5.0%, the highest since the pandemic, with 1.79 million people now looking for work.
But what’s most concerning isn’t inflow — it’s outflow. People are finding it harder to get back into work. 🧵
Unemployment has risen to 5.0%, the highest since the pandemic, with 1.79 million people now looking for work.
But what’s most concerning isn’t inflow — it’s outflow. People are finding it harder to get back into work. 🧵
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Today, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social (Principal Analyst) responded to the latest zero-hour figures from @ONS:
"The number of people on zero-hour contracts continues its upward rise to near record levels. There are now 1.2 million people on zero-hour contracts, the second highest on record." (1/2)
"The number of people on zero-hour contracts continues its upward rise to near record levels. There are now 1.2 million people on zero-hour contracts, the second highest on record." (1/2)
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Today, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social (Principal Analyst) responded to the latest zero-hour figures from @ONS:
"The number of people on zero-hour contracts continues its upward rise to near record levels. There are now 1.2 million people on zero-hour contracts, the second highest on record." (1/2)
"The number of people on zero-hour contracts continues its upward rise to near record levels. There are now 1.2 million people on zero-hour contracts, the second highest on record." (1/2)
It's good to see the Commons have rejected the Lords' amendments that would seek to water down the one day rights provision and guaranteed hours for zero hour contract workers.
Expected impact 📊 Decrease severely insecure work by an estimated 1.2m workers.
Expected impact 📊 Decrease severely insecure work by an estimated 1.2m workers.
November 6, 2025 at 10:34 AM
It's good to see the Commons have rejected the Lords' amendments that would seek to water down the one day rights provision and guaranteed hours for zero hour contract workers.
Expected impact 📊 Decrease severely insecure work by an estimated 1.2m workers.
Expected impact 📊 Decrease severely insecure work by an estimated 1.2m workers.
📢 My new journal article is out today in Global Political Economy in a great collection edited by @jmchickson.bsky.social and @stellamorgana.bsky.social. I explore job insecurity across England’s mayoral combined authorities — and what this means for regional inequality and economic growth.
A🧵...
A🧵...
November 3, 2025 at 10:12 AM
📢 My new journal article is out today in Global Political Economy in a great collection edited by @jmchickson.bsky.social and @stellamorgana.bsky.social. I explore job insecurity across England’s mayoral combined authorities — and what this means for regional inequality and economic growth.
A🧵...
A🧵...
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Join us next Tuesday to discuss the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill with @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social, @benrharrison.bsky.social, Shazia Ejaz from @recmembers.bsky.social, @katenightingale.bsky.social from @youngwomenstrust.bsky.social and Lord John Hendy from @ieruk.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...
Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/increasing...
October 29, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Join us next Tuesday to discuss the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill with @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social, @benrharrison.bsky.social, Shazia Ejaz from @recmembers.bsky.social, @katenightingale.bsky.social from @youngwomenstrust.bsky.social and Lord John Hendy from @ieruk.bsky.social.
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest release of earnings data from the @ONS:
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Latest earnings data highlights living standards challenge for Government - Lancaster University
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to Office for National Statistics figures on employee earnings in the UK in 2025.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
October 23, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest release of earnings data from the @ONS:
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“Cost of living pressures are persisting for workers and their families across the UK as inflation is at its joint highest level since January 2024 at 3.8%. (1/6)
“Cost of living pressures are persisting for workers and their families across the UK as inflation is at its joint highest level since January 2024 at 3.8%. (1/6)
Cost of living pressures persist for workers as inflation at its joint highest level since January 2024 - Lancaster University
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University respond to the CPI inflation statistics (October 2025) released by the Office for National Statistics.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
October 22, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“Cost of living pressures are persisting for workers and their families across the UK as inflation is at its joint highest level since January 2024 at 3.8%. (1/6)
“Cost of living pressures are persisting for workers and their families across the UK as inflation is at its joint highest level since January 2024 at 3.8%. (1/6)
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
We are still at near zero real earnings growth since Sept 2024, 11th month in row. We had a very small rise in earnings in August 2025 on previous month, leaving earnings up just 0.2% on Sept 2024.
October 14, 2025 at 8:26 AM
We are still at near zero real earnings growth since Sept 2024, 11th month in row. We had a very small rise in earnings in August 2025 on previous month, leaving earnings up just 0.2% on Sept 2024.
Such a great piece from @tbij.bsky.social that highlights how difficult it is for workers to access and enforce their rights - it shows truly staggering figures of non-payment of tribunal awards by employers, and that's not even counting the personal cost to workers.
Last year, Nadine made headlines after she was awarded £65,000 for unfair dismissal by Peckham Levels
Preparing for the tribunal cost Nadine her health – but she has yet to see the money
Preparing for the tribunal cost Nadine her health – but she has yet to see the money
October 8, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Such a great piece from @tbij.bsky.social that highlights how difficult it is for workers to access and enforce their rights - it shows truly staggering figures of non-payment of tribunal awards by employers, and that's not even counting the personal cost to workers.
Very pleased to see my analysis of the impact on insecure work of two key reforms in the Employment Rights Bill covered by the Guardian today! Full report on the @workfoundation.bsky.social website (link in comment below).
More than 1m UK workers to gain more rights under employment bill, says thinktank
Work Foundation says key elements of bill promote secure jobs amid fierce business lobbying against legislation
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Very pleased to see my analysis of the impact on insecure work of two key reforms in the Employment Rights Bill covered by the Guardian today! Full report on the @workfoundation.bsky.social website (link in comment below).
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Zero-hours contracts: peers accused of ‘trying to block stronger UK workers’ rights’
Zero-hours contracts: peers accused of ‘trying to block stronger UK workers’ rights’
Lords ‘doing bidding of bad bosses’, says TUC, amid growing campaign by business leaders to water down Labour’s plans
Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers have been accused of trying to block stronger rights for millions of workers amid a growing campaign by business leaders to water down Labour’s zero-hours contract plans.
In a blow for the government, the Lords last week voted to curtail the manifesto promise to give workers a right to a guaranteed hours contract and day-one protections against unfair dismissal. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 27, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Zero-hours contracts: peers accused of ‘trying to block stronger UK workers’ rights’
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to disability benefits, our new evidence casts doubt on whether jobs are even available for disabled people facing cuts 📢
The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3
The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3
June 24, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to disability benefits, our new evidence casts doubt on whether jobs are even available for disabled people facing cuts 📢
The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3
The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3
Today’s stats paint a picture of a weakening labour market. Unemployment is rising (4.6%), vacancies are falling, and more people are returning to the labour market—often out of necessity, not opportunity. This should be a red flag ahead of tomorrow’s Spending Review. 🧵(1/6)
June 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Today’s stats paint a picture of a weakening labour market. Unemployment is rising (4.6%), vacancies are falling, and more people are returning to the labour market—often out of necessity, not opportunity. This should be a red flag ahead of tomorrow’s Spending Review. 🧵(1/6)
Really pleased to be featured in @the-independent.com yesterday in response to the rise in zero-hour contracts.
Contary to some expectations, employers are not (yet) dropping zhc's ahead of the Employment Rights Bill coming in.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home... @workfoundation.bsky.social
Contary to some expectations, employers are not (yet) dropping zhc's ahead of the Employment Rights Bill coming in.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home... @workfoundation.bsky.social
More than one million people still on zero-hours contracts, data shows
Some 1.17 million people are on the contracts in the UK, growing by 12 per cent in the past year despite the upcoming Employment Rights Bill
www.independent.co.uk
May 14, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Really pleased to be featured in @the-independent.com yesterday in response to the rise in zero-hour contracts.
Contary to some expectations, employers are not (yet) dropping zhc's ahead of the Employment Rights Bill coming in.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home... @workfoundation.bsky.social
Contary to some expectations, employers are not (yet) dropping zhc's ahead of the Employment Rights Bill coming in.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home... @workfoundation.bsky.social
🔎 The UK labour market appears steady — but beneath the surface, pressure is building.
This month’s ONS figures show employment holding at 75%, but early indicators suggest we may be heading for turbulence. Let’s unpack what’s happening. 🧵
This month’s ONS figures show employment holding at 75%, but early indicators suggest we may be heading for turbulence. Let’s unpack what’s happening. 🧵
May 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
🔎 The UK labour market appears steady — but beneath the surface, pressure is building.
This month’s ONS figures show employment holding at 75%, but early indicators suggest we may be heading for turbulence. Let’s unpack what’s happening. 🧵
This month’s ONS figures show employment holding at 75%, but early indicators suggest we may be heading for turbulence. Let’s unpack what’s happening. 🧵
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on zero-hour contract data from the ONS ⬇️
“Today’s data indicates a marked increase in the use of zero-hour contracts in the last year. There are now 1.17 million zero-hour contract workers, the second highest level on record. (1/7)
“Today’s data indicates a marked increase in the use of zero-hour contracts in the last year. There are now 1.17 million zero-hour contract workers, the second highest level on record. (1/7)
May 13, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Comment from our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on zero-hour contract data from the ONS ⬇️
“Today’s data indicates a marked increase in the use of zero-hour contracts in the last year. There are now 1.17 million zero-hour contract workers, the second highest level on record. (1/7)
“Today’s data indicates a marked increase in the use of zero-hour contracts in the last year. There are now 1.17 million zero-hour contract workers, the second highest level on record. (1/7)
Spot on, @jonburton.bsky.social! Workers can remain stuck in insecurity for many years, with detrimental impacts on earnings, health and future opportunities - and ultimately the economy.
Read the blog here: blog.ukdataservice.ac.uk/no-progress-...
Read the blog here: blog.ukdataservice.ac.uk/no-progress-...
April 28, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Spot on, @jonburton.bsky.social! Workers can remain stuck in insecurity for many years, with detrimental impacts on earnings, health and future opportunities - and ultimately the economy.
Read the blog here: blog.ukdataservice.ac.uk/no-progress-...
Read the blog here: blog.ukdataservice.ac.uk/no-progress-...
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social recently spoke to HR360 about the Government's flagship Employment Rights Bill and what it could mean for workers and employers.
hr-360.co.uk/leadership-i...
Here are the three top takeaways (1/4):
hr-360.co.uk/leadership-i...
Here are the three top takeaways (1/4):
Leadership Interview: The Employments Rights Bill, does it go far enough? - HR360
Dive into our interview with Rebecca Florisson from Work Foundation (she is also one of our advisory board members at HR360) as she unpacks the Employment Rights Bill—its potential to tackle
hr-360.co.uk
April 9, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social recently spoke to HR360 about the Government's flagship Employment Rights Bill and what it could mean for workers and employers.
hr-360.co.uk/leadership-i...
Here are the three top takeaways (1/4):
hr-360.co.uk/leadership-i...
Here are the three top takeaways (1/4):
Yesterday's #SpringStatement was costed & found to push 250,000 more people into poverty by 2029/30—including 50,000 children. Today, new gov analysis shows 28% of children already live in material deprivation. Austerity isn't over. It's deepening. www.gov.uk/government/s...
Households Below Average Income: an analysis of the UK income distribution: FYE 1995 to FYE 2024
www.gov.uk
March 27, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Yesterday's #SpringStatement was costed & found to push 250,000 more people into poverty by 2029/30—including 50,000 children. Today, new gov analysis shows 28% of children already live in material deprivation. Austerity isn't over. It's deepening. www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Spread the word! Exciting new fully funded PhD opportunity to research disabled people's lived experiences of benefit reform and the costs of disability.
Deadline: 10 April
@uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgussp.bsky.social @uofgsps.bsky.social @sgsss.bsky.social @clemmiehilloconnor.bsky.social
Deadline: 10 April
@uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgussp.bsky.social @uofgsps.bsky.social @sgsss.bsky.social @clemmiehilloconnor.bsky.social
March 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Spread the word! Exciting new fully funded PhD opportunity to research disabled people's lived experiences of benefit reform and the costs of disability.
Deadline: 10 April
@uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgussp.bsky.social @uofgsps.bsky.social @sgsss.bsky.social @clemmiehilloconnor.bsky.social
Deadline: 10 April
@uofglasgow.bsky.social @uofgussp.bsky.social @uofgsps.bsky.social @sgsss.bsky.social @clemmiehilloconnor.bsky.social
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Earlier today, our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social
responded to the Department for Work and Pensions's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
Read the full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
responded to the Department for Work and Pensions's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
Read the full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
March 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Earlier today, our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social
responded to the Department for Work and Pensions's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
Read the full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
responded to the Department for Work and Pensions's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
Read the full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
Our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social responds to DWP's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
“The Chancellor pledged to restore stability in part by making cuts to welfare, but in doing so the Government is likely to inject instability into... (1/6)
“The Chancellor pledged to restore stability in part by making cuts to welfare, but in doing so the Government is likely to inject instability into... (1/6)
March 26, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Our Principal Analyst @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social responds to DWP's impact assessment of the health & disability benefit cuts⬇️
“The Chancellor pledged to restore stability in part by making cuts to welfare, but in doing so the Government is likely to inject instability into... (1/6)
“The Chancellor pledged to restore stability in part by making cuts to welfare, but in doing so the Government is likely to inject instability into... (1/6)
Reposted by Rebecca Florisson
The Health and Disability Green paper will deliver tiny income gains at the cost of major losses for those with health problems or a disability.
Restricting PIP qualification to save £5bn would mean between 800,000 & 1.2 million people losing support of between £4,200 & £6,300 per year by 2029-30.
Restricting PIP qualification to save £5bn would mean between 800,000 & 1.2 million people losing support of between £4,200 & £6,300 per year by 2029-30.
March 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The Health and Disability Green paper will deliver tiny income gains at the cost of major losses for those with health problems or a disability.
Restricting PIP qualification to save £5bn would mean between 800,000 & 1.2 million people losing support of between £4,200 & £6,300 per year by 2029-30.
Restricting PIP qualification to save £5bn would mean between 800,000 & 1.2 million people losing support of between £4,200 & £6,300 per year by 2029-30.
Great to see the @bigissue.com pick up on our policy paper today on disabled workers' experiences of remote and hybrid working @irhws.bsky.social with @lancasteruni.bsky.social @manmetuni.bsky.social & Universal Inclusion, supported by the @nuffieldfoundation.org
www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
Working from home vital for disabled people to keep a job, DWP told
A staggering 80% of disabled people in fully remote jobs told researchers that WFH had a “positive impact” on managing their health.
www.bigissue.com
March 13, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Great to see the @bigissue.com pick up on our policy paper today on disabled workers' experiences of remote and hybrid working @irhws.bsky.social with @lancasteruni.bsky.social @manmetuni.bsky.social & Universal Inclusion, supported by the @nuffieldfoundation.org
www.bigissue.com/news/employm...
www.bigissue.com/news/employm...