Work Foundation
@workfoundation.bsky.social
The Work Foundation is a leading think tank for improving work in the UK. Part of Lancaster University Management School.
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...
Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-re...
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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...
Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-re...
As 2025 draws to a close, we asked our team members to review their key moment from the world of work and the labour market.
It has been a big year for employment rights, welfare reform and the labour market. So what did they choose? (1/6)
Read: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
It has been a big year for employment rights, welfare reform and the labour market. So what did they choose? (1/6)
Read: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
A look back at the world of work and the labour market in 2025 - Lancaster University
As 2025 draws to a close, we asked our team to review their key moment from the world of work and the labour market.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
As 2025 draws to a close, we asked our team members to review their key moment from the world of work and the labour market.
It has been a big year for employment rights, welfare reform and the labour market. So what did they choose? (1/6)
Read: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
It has been a big year for employment rights, welfare reform and the labour market. So what did they choose? (1/6)
Read: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Will 2026 be the year that work gets better?
With the cost of living still high and job vacancies continuing to shrink, the UK is emerging from a difficult year for workers. @alicepmartin.bsky.social reflects on 2026 could mean for workers in @bigissue.com: www.bigissue.com/opinion/empl...
With the cost of living still high and job vacancies continuing to shrink, the UK is emerging from a difficult year for workers. @alicepmartin.bsky.social reflects on 2026 could mean for workers in @bigissue.com: www.bigissue.com/opinion/empl...
What does the Employment Rights Act mean for work in 2026?
With the Employment Rights Bill set to become law, 2026 will be one of the most consequential years for work in decades.
www.bigissue.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Will 2026 be the year that work gets better?
With the cost of living still high and job vacancies continuing to shrink, the UK is emerging from a difficult year for workers. @alicepmartin.bsky.social reflects on 2026 could mean for workers in @bigissue.com: www.bigissue.com/opinion/empl...
With the cost of living still high and job vacancies continuing to shrink, the UK is emerging from a difficult year for workers. @alicepmartin.bsky.social reflects on 2026 could mean for workers in @bigissue.com: www.bigissue.com/opinion/empl...
Our Director, @BRHarrison_, has commented on the Employment Rights Act becoming law:
“Passing the new Employment Rights Act into law is a critical milestone for employment reform in the UK and will better align our key employment laws with international standards. (1/5)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
“Passing the new Employment Rights Act into law is a critical milestone for employment reform in the UK and will better align our key employment laws with international standards. (1/5)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
New laws bring the world of work into the 21st century
Over 15 million people across the UK are expected to benefit as the Employment Rights Act receives Royal Assent.
www.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Our Director, @BRHarrison_, has commented on the Employment Rights Act becoming law:
“Passing the new Employment Rights Act into law is a critical milestone for employment reform in the UK and will better align our key employment laws with international standards. (1/5)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
“Passing the new Employment Rights Act into law is a critical milestone for employment reform in the UK and will better align our key employment laws with international standards. (1/5)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the passing of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords⬇️
“Ending the Parliamentary impasse on the Employment Rights Bill is a critical moment for UK workers. (1/5)
“Ending the Parliamentary impasse on the Employment Rights Bill is a critical moment for UK workers. (1/5)
December 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the passing of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords⬇️
“Ending the Parliamentary impasse on the Employment Rights Bill is a critical moment for UK workers. (1/5)
“Ending the Parliamentary impasse on the Employment Rights Bill is a critical moment for UK workers. (1/5)
Comment from our Director, @BRHarrison_, on the latest labour market statistics from the ONS ⬇️
“The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Rising unemployment, falling vacancies and weak real wage growth all provide troubling signs for workers and jobseekers as we head towards 2026. (1/9)
“The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Rising unemployment, falling vacancies and weak real wage growth all provide troubling signs for workers and jobseekers as we head towards 2026. (1/9)
December 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Comment from our Director, @BRHarrison_, on the latest labour market statistics from the ONS ⬇️
“The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Rising unemployment, falling vacancies and weak real wage growth all provide troubling signs for workers and jobseekers as we head towards 2026. (1/9)
“The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Rising unemployment, falling vacancies and weak real wage growth all provide troubling signs for workers and jobseekers as we head towards 2026. (1/9)
Today, @benrharrison.bsky.social (Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University) issued a statement on Government's latest announcement on the £820 million youth participation package, including a new Youth Guarantee.
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Youth Guarantee must focus on connecting individuals to 'good' jobs - Lancaster University
Ben Harrison from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University responds to the Government's latest announcement on the £820 million youth participation package.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
December 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Today, @benrharrison.bsky.social (Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University) issued a statement on Government's latest announcement on the £820 million youth participation package, including a new Youth Guarantee.
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
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.
learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...
Authors: Sravanthi Vempalli, Lovedeep Vaid, Aaron Revel,
@stephenevans.bsky.social.
November 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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.
learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...
Authors: Sravanthi Vempalli, Lovedeep Vaid, Aaron Revel,
@stephenevans.bsky.social.
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Department for Business and Trade announcement on unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill:
“Ending the Parliamentary log jam on the Employment Rights Bill is a positive step... (1/7)
“Ending the Parliamentary log jam on the Employment Rights Bill is a positive step... (1/7)
November 27, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Department for Business and Trade announcement on unfair dismissal elements of the Employment Rights Bill:
“Ending the Parliamentary log jam on the Employment Rights Bill is a positive step... (1/7)
“Ending the Parliamentary log jam on the Employment Rights Bill is a positive step... (1/7)
Yesterday, we welcomed the announcement of £820m to support young people into work.
But @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social warned of a risk the "Youth Guarantee will be too blunt an instrument" to support young people employment - featuring in this @BBCNews article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social warned of a risk the "Youth Guarantee will be too blunt an instrument" to support young people employment - featuring in this @BBCNews article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reeves unveils £820m funding to support jobless young people
The funding will help guarantee paid work placements for 18 to 21-year-olds
www.bbc.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Yesterday, we welcomed the announcement of £820m to support young people into work.
But @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social warned of a risk the "Youth Guarantee will be too blunt an instrument" to support young people employment - featuring in this @BBCNews article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
But @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social warned of a risk the "Youth Guarantee will be too blunt an instrument" to support young people employment - featuring in this @BBCNews article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget ⬇️
“It is welcome the Chancellor has attempted to bear down on cost of living pressures facing millions of UK workers while taking action to boost the economy. (1/7)
“It is welcome the Chancellor has attempted to bear down on cost of living pressures facing millions of UK workers while taking action to boost the economy. (1/7)
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the Chancellor's Autumn Budget ⬇️
“It is welcome the Chancellor has attempted to bear down on cost of living pressures facing millions of UK workers while taking action to boost the economy. (1/7)
“It is welcome the Chancellor has attempted to bear down on cost of living pressures facing millions of UK workers while taking action to boost the economy. (1/7)
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...
@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...
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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...
@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...
When the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Budget on 26 Nov, she will do so at a time of a slowing labour market & against a backdrop of deep political & economic uncertainty.
@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Chancellor: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Chancellor: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
A pivotal budget for good jobs and economic growth - Lancaster University
When the Chancellor steps up to deliver the Budget Statement on 26 November, she will do so against a backdrop of deep political and economic uncertainty and persistent pressure on the public finances...
www.lancaster.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:46 AM
When the Chancellor delivers the Autumn Budget on 26 Nov, she will do so at a time of a slowing labour market & against a backdrop of deep political & economic uncertainty.
@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Chancellor: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
@benrharrison.bsky.social explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Chancellor: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
As the Government prepares for the Autumn Budget, Jon Fitzmaurice looks back at our #WorkMatters discussion with @helenbarnard.bsky.social, @duncanweldon.bsky.social & Suren Thiru and asks whether the ‘smorgasbord’ approach will kick start economic renewal?
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Will a ‘smorgasbord’ approach kick start economic and labour market renewal? - Lancaster University
As the Government prepares for a landmark Autumn Budget, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University hosted an online event to review the latest labour market and inflation statistics and discuss whet...
www.lancaster.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 4:12 PM
As the Government prepares for the Autumn Budget, Jon Fitzmaurice looks back at our #WorkMatters discussion with @helenbarnard.bsky.social, @duncanweldon.bsky.social & Suren Thiru and asks whether the ‘smorgasbord’ approach will kick start economic renewal?
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
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...
Our Principal Analyst, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social, commented on the latest stats. See full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
November 20, 2025 at 11:11 AM
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...
Our Principal Analyst, @rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social, commented on the latest stats. See full statement here: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Comment from our Principal Analyst
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“The rate of CPI inflation has dropped to 3.6%. This could indicate we’re past the worst of the recent inflationary surge and may boost hopes of faster interest rate cuts. (1/5)
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“The rate of CPI inflation has dropped to 3.6%. This could indicate we’re past the worst of the recent inflationary surge and may boost hopes of faster interest rate cuts. (1/5)
November 19, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Comment from our Principal Analyst
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“The rate of CPI inflation has dropped to 3.6%. This could indicate we’re past the worst of the recent inflationary surge and may boost hopes of faster interest rate cuts. (1/5)
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social on the latest CPI inflation release from the ONS ⬇️
“The rate of CPI inflation has dropped to 3.6%. This could indicate we’re past the worst of the recent inflationary surge and may boost hopes of faster interest rate cuts. (1/5)
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...
Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
November 17, 2025 at 10:08 AM
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...
Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
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...
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social explores the latest data in this article, including the rise of zero-hour contracts: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
November 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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...
@rebeccaflorisson.bsky.social explores the latest data in this article, including the rise of zero-hour contracts: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
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)
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the latest release from the ONS:⬇️
"As unemployment in the UK continues to creep upwards, today’s data underlines the importance of the Chancellor using the Autumn Budget to address the long-term labour market challenges... (1/10)
"As unemployment in the UK continues to creep upwards, today’s data underlines the importance of the Chancellor using the Autumn Budget to address the long-term labour market challenges... (1/10)
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Comment from our Director, @benrharrison.bsky.social, on the latest release from the ONS:⬇️
"As unemployment in the UK continues to creep upwards, today’s data underlines the importance of the Chancellor using the Autumn Budget to address the long-term labour market challenges... (1/10)
"As unemployment in the UK continues to creep upwards, today’s data underlines the importance of the Chancellor using the Autumn Budget to address the long-term labour market challenges... (1/10)
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...
Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
November 10, 2025 at 11:48 AM
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...
Sign-up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/work-matte...
The Keep Britain Working Review has published its final report, setting out how to overhaul the role of employers in supporting workers to remain in work when they fall ill.
@benrharrison.bsky.social and @alicepmartin.bsky.social respond to the review's findings: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
@benrharrison.bsky.social and @alicepmartin.bsky.social respond to the review's findings: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Keeping Britain working: A shared responsibility between Government, employers and employees - Lancaster University
Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review has published its final report, setting out a roadmap for overhauling the role of UK employers in supporting workers to remain in work when they fall...
www.lancaster.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 11:43 AM
The Keep Britain Working Review has published its final report, setting out how to overhaul the role of employers in supporting workers to remain in work when they fall ill.
@benrharrison.bsky.social and @alicepmartin.bsky.social respond to the review's findings: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
@benrharrison.bsky.social and @alicepmartin.bsky.social respond to the review's findings: www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-foundat...
Comment from our Director @benrharrison.bsky.social
and Research and Policy Analyst
@aman93.bsky.social on the latest release of data on the employment of disabled people from the DWP:
and Research and Policy Analyst
@aman93.bsky.social on the latest release of data on the employment of disabled people from the DWP:
Employment prospects for disabled people in the UK have stalled since 2019 - Lancaster University
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University responded to employment of disabled people 2025 figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions.
www.lancaster.ac.uk
November 4, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Comment from our Director @benrharrison.bsky.social
and Research and Policy Analyst
@aman93.bsky.social on the latest release of data on the employment of disabled people from the DWP:
and Research and Policy Analyst
@aman93.bsky.social on the latest release of data on the employment of disabled people from the DWP:
🏆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...
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
🏆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...
It explores the uneven rise, with rural areas & peripheral towns recording largest increases. (1/5)
Read: www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/cen...
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.