But the real test will be whether the FWA has sufficient resources to do its job effectively. For more on what an enforcement system that protects workers and supports economic growth should look like, read our report here: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...

The creation of the Fair Work Agency (FWA) is a welcome step. It will mean better coordination across the enforcement system, a clear point of contact for workers and employers alike, and more rights (e.g. holiday pay) enforced by the state. www.gov.uk/government/n...

But we concluded that naming alone isn't enough. Many of those employers who might be tempted to flout the rules are far more motivated by the threat of financial penalties – and a scheme like this only works if the underpayment is uncovered in the first place, which requires proactive inspections.

The naming scheme is an important enforcement tool. Our research has found that for employers tempted to cut corners, the fear of the reputational hit from being named can deter them from doing so. www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...

The employers named today cover household names like Go Outdoors and Holland & Barrett as well as small local businesses. And the scale of underpayment also varies, from tens to thousands of pounds per worker: at the extreme end, four employers short-changed one of their workers by over £10,000.

Debates on disability are increasingly polarised, esp on benefits – but the reality is that disability and caring responsibilities shape life for millions of low-to-middle income families, and policymakers shouldn’t forget that. Read the full report here: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...

Finally, our report mainly focuses on living standards, but public services matter too. As well as reviewing formal social care (which an independent govt review is doing), local authorities should restore support for carers such as respite care, which has been cut by £84m since the mid-2010s.

The Carer’s Allowance cliff edge (which the Government is currently reviewing) should be replaced with an earnings taper, and the carer’s element of Universal Credit should be increased to match the health element.

How can policy help? On paid work, the Employment Rights Bill will particularly benefit disabled people and carers, given they’re more likely than other groups to be in insecure work, but the Govt should also bring in paid carer’s leave so more carers can stay in work.

Benefits are vital, but often fail to adequately protect living standards. 70%+ of people receiving the health and care elements of Universal Credit face material deprivation, people lose Carer’s Allowance entirely once they earn >£196 a week, and the system can be complex for claimants to navigate.

To get the flexibility they need, disabled people and carers often turn to flexible contracts, self-employment and the gig economy. But these can come with downsides such as unpredictable hours and a lack of sick pay.

One reason is limitations on paid work – and this extends beyond not being able to work at all. For example, 58% of disabled workers say their physical health limits the kind of work they can do, and 41% of working carers have had to cut their hours due to caring.