Making the UK a good place to work

How should we tackle low pay and precarious work – a dynamic or damaging force?

Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study, is hosting a topical debate on this major issue. New evidence from the Study sheds light into key questions:

• Is lack of working hours at the heart of UK’s low pay?

• Is low pay a springboard to higher pay?

• In some circumstances does it pay to take on low paid work?

• Does growing self-employment indicate entrepreneurship or casualisation of work?

With growing concerns about UK’s endemic low pay and impact of the ‘gig’ economy, a panel of leading policy commentators will explore how we can improve low pay and insecure work in the context of emerging evidence.

Who is the event for?

The event will bring together policy makers, employer and skills bodies, trade unions, HR professionals, educationalists, local authorities, pay campaigners and think tanks. Delegates will have plenty of opportunity to contribute to the debate and enjoy a reception afterwards.The event will support the ESRC’s Festival of Social Science.

Launch of Insights 2017

The event will also see the launch of the Insights 2017 report. This year’s report covers policy relevant findings on the themes of pay and employment, adult mental health and work-life balance, with commentary from leading experts.

Programme

16.00 – 16.30: Registration and coffee

16.30 – 16.35 : Welcome

Professor Michaela Benzeval, Director, Understanding Society

16.35 – 17.05 : Opening Remarks and headline findings from Understanding Society

Event Chair: Vicky Pryce, economist, author and commentator

Insights 2017: David Walker, Chair, Understanding Society Governing Board

Headline findings on low pay and work theme: Professor Susan Harkness, Director, Understanding Society Policy Unit

Is low pay a spring board to higher earnings? Conor D’Arcy, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Resolution Foundation

17.05 – 18.15: How can we improve low pay and insecure work in the UK?

Panel and delegate discussion:

Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills, British Chambers of Commerce

Paul Gregg, Professor of Economic and Social Policy, and Director of the Centre for Analysis and Social Policy, University of Bath

Matthew Oakley, Social Metrics Commission and Director of WPI Economics

John Earls, Head of Research, Unite the Union

18.15 – 19.00: Networking and drinks reception

If you have any questions about this event please contact us via events@understandingsociety.ac.uk