Work Foundation

@workfoundation.bsky.social

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The Work Foundation is a leading think tank for improving work in the UK. Part of Lancaster University Management School.

Cost pressures are impacting employers and workers One in eight (12%) employers say they have had to make redundancies due to rising costs 13% have had to cut the hours of existing staff. Source: Survation survey of 1,001 senior business decision-makers (May 2026) Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Above inflation pay rises (22%) Eight in ten employers are supporting staff with rising costs. The key support measures are: Offering flexibility on working patterns (26%) Offering overtime (24%) Source: Survation survey of 1,001 senior business decision-makers (May 2026) Extending benefits packages (27%) Work Foundation and Lancaster University logo
89% of UK adults say the cost of living is the biggest issue facing the UK one in three people (34%) said they were struggling to afford energy bills one in four (25%) could not cover an unexpected £850 cost. Source: ONS Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: June 2026 Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Only one in five employers are planning to provide pay rises above inflation this year. This falls to one in six (16%) for businesses with less than 50 employees. 22% Source: Survation survey of 1,001 senior business decision-makers (May 2026) Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
14.00 - 15.00 | Tuesday 14 July 2026 | Online In limbo? The experiences of zero-hour contract workers The UK Government came into office pledging to end one-sided flexibility by banning 'exploitative' zero-hour contracts. The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce new rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation when shifts are cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice. The Government is currently consulting on how these measures will operate in practice before they come into force in 2027. Join us to discuss new research into how zero-hour contract workers experience insecurity, flexibility and unpredictability in their working lives, and how different policy choices could shape the future of work for these workers. Speakers include Alice Martin (Work Foundation), Tim Sharp (Trades Union Congress (The TUC)) and George Williams (Work Foundation). Work Foundation logo.
Professor Dame Carol Black in conversation with Ben Harrison at the Work and Health Summit 2026.
Sir Charlie Mayfield speaking with Ben Harrison at the Work and Health Summit 2026
RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Embed prevention and healthy job design as a core employer responsibility 2. Establish local work and health hubs for SMEs 3. Pilot a supported workdays framework 4. Consult on a statutory right to paid time off for medical appointments. Centre for Organisational Health and Well-being, Lancaster University Work Foundation at Lancaster University
The availability of healthcare support varies by size of firm, with each increase in firm size between micro, small, medium and large associated with a fall in the share of offering support like enhanced sick pay, occupational health support, and assessing health risks. Work Foundation Lancaster University Centre for Organisational Health & Well-being
The availability of healthcare support varies for different groups, with better-than-average support for large and medium businesses, those with high revenues, and those with few low-income staff; and worse-than-average support for those with majority young, female, low-income or older staff, and smaller businesses. Work Foundation Lancaster University Centre for Organisational Health & Well-being
Graph showing the share of employers seeing rising health-related exits has fallen from 20% in 2024 to 15% in 2026, while the share of employers seeing falling health-related exists has risen from 21% in 2024 to 33% in 2026. Work Foundation Lancaster University Centre for Organisational Health & Well-being
Unequal Support Employer Views on Workforce Health in 2026 Asli Atay, Christopher Wood, Paula Holland, Stavroula Leka, June 2026 Work Foundation Lancaster University Centre for Organisational Health & Well-being
Work and Health Summit 2026 Delivering healthy work in uncertain times Tuesday 23 June 2026 | Central London > Sir Charlie Mayfield, Keep Britain Working Review > Professor Stavroula Leka, Lancaster University > Dame Carol Black > Paul Nowak, TUC > Alice Martin, Work Foundation > Asli Atay, Work Foundation > Dr Richard Peters, JLR > Ben Harrison, Work Foundation > Martin McTague, FSB > Sara Weller, BT. Lancaster University and Work Foundation logos
Recommendations 1. Adopt a bolder and more localised approach to the Youth Job Guarantee 2. Strengthen the devolution roadmap in England to tackle place-based barriers to youth employment 3. Boost support in education to improve young people’s transition into work and reduce the risk of disengagement. Work Foundation Lancaster University
Dr Divya Jyoti Lancaster University Management School “The young people we met in Morecambe and Liverpool aspire to be in education, work, or training but they feel alienated from the labour market. “Through no fault of their own, many young people in this study have faced difficult transitions and systemic barriers through their education and early lives. They are trying to find work in an extremely competitive market but are receiving little feedback or encouragement. Work Foundation Lancaster University
The availability of jobs per NEET young person and varies by English region. North East 6.4 and East Midlands 5.1 are the highest. Work Foundation Lancaster Management School With thanks: Liverpool City Council
Graph showing the number of available 'starter' jobs has fallen dramatically by 49% in the last decade from 139,329 in 2016/17 to 71,110 in 2025/26. Work Foundation Lancaster Management School With thanks: Liverpool City Council
Starting out: Boosting youth employment in local labour markets Divya Jyoti, Beth Suttill, Martin Quinn, Peter Watt, Jessica Redmond, Emelia Williams, Jon Fitzmaurice & Alice Martin June 2026 Work Foundation Lancaster Management School With thanks: Liverpool City Council
Alice Martin, Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Young workers need secure jobs “Young people are entering one of the toughest labour markets in years, facing intense competition for a shrinking number of entry-level jobs. “But a difficult labour market is no excuse for undermining pay or job security. The ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts is long overdue. One in five workers in the UK is in severely insecure work, without predictable pay or basic protections. These reforms have not yet come into force, so blaming current hiring trends on them is misplaced." Work Foundation logo, Lancaster University logo
Aman Navani Senior Research & Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Cost of living biggest issue for the UK public "Nine in ten adults (90%) now report the cost of living as the most important issue facing the UK, which is the highest proportion since Labour came to power in July 2024. “With people continuing to struggle, these challenges will remain a defining issue for political leaders in the UK, whoever is in power. Government Ministers must remain focussed on providing additional support for those who need it most and ensure financial and political stability at a time of great uncertainty.” Work foundation and Lancaster University logos
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 20 May 2026 | Online Can the UK labour market withstand renewed global volatility? The UK labour market continues to struggle at a time of growing global uncertainty. Earnings are losing momentum just as another potential cost of living squeeze emerges. At the same time, unemployment has risen to a five-year high of 5.2%, while half of UK adults now identify employment as an important national issue. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to discuss what the labour market and inflation statistics mean for workers, employers and the economy in 2026. Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Dr Andrea Barry Deputy Director, Work, Centre for Ageing Better Simon French Chief Economist and Head of Research, Panmure Liberum Emma Taggart Economics Reporter, The Telegraph Work Foundation logo
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “The real test of these new Bills will be whether they support a sustained increase in economic growth that supports higher wages and better access to secure employment, while providing Government more control to address the fundamentals currently driving rising costs. “At a time of fevered political speculation, it is essential the Government prioritises delivering the measures in the King’s Speech that improve the working lives of people, provide more opportunities to young and disabled people to enter work and protect the most vulnerable workers against rising costs.” Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 20 May 2026 | Online Can the UK labour market withstand renewed global volatility? The UK labour market continues to struggle at a time of growing global uncertainty. Earnings are losing momentum just as another potential cost of living squeeze emerges. At the same time, unemployment has risen to a five-year high of 5.2%, while half of UK adults now identify employment as an important national issue. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to discuss what the labour market and inflation statistics mean for workers, employers and the economy in 2026. Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Dr Andrea Barry Deputy Director, Work, Centre for Ageing Better Simon French Chief Economist and Head of Research, Panmure Liberum Emma Taggart Economics Reporter, The Telegraph Work Foundation logo
Change in employment, unemployment and economic inactivity rates (Feb-Apr 2024 to Nov-Jan 2026)
Learning & Work Institute Training and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors. Corin Egglestone, Mark Magill, Bradley Phipps, Stephen Evans, Sravanthi Vempalli & Lovedeep Vaid March 2026
Figure 1 Regular Nominal Wage Growth January 2019-January 2026 Showing wage growth for whole economy is 3.8%, 5.9% for public sector and 3.3% for private sector. Source: ONS dataset A01 Table 15: Average Weekly Earnings (nominal) - Regular Pay (Great Britain, seasonally adjusted
WORK MATTERS 2026 11.00 - 12.00 | Tuesday 24 March 2026 | Online Is the rise in remote and hybrid work in the UK now under threat? Six years on from the first Covid-19 lockdown, working from home has become a mainstream practice, with many employers moving beyond initial emergency measures and actively redesign roles to support flexible working. But more employers are calling staff ‘back to the office’, with a sharp fall in remote vacancies in recent months. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and an expert panel to explore the future of remote and hybrid work in the UK, and how it can be utilised to improve access to secure and flexible employment in the years ahead. Speakers > Baroness Needham -Scott (Chair, Lords Homebased Working Committee) > Dr Paula Holland (Senior Lecturer, Lancaster University) > Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University. Work Foundation logo
Workers with long-term health conditions’ perception that overall, their employers’ actions had supported them to stay in work, by income and professional status of employment. Our results revealed: - Low income 47%, mid-high income 68% - Non-professional (51%), professional (65%) Lancaster University and Work Foundation logos.
Perceived effectiveness of workplace interventions among workers with long-term health conditions that had received them. Our results revealed that the interventions that were rated as being most helpful by their recipients related to their employment conditions: more control over their work (73%), paid sick leave (71%), and flexibility over location (69%), working hours (68%), and job role (68%). Source: Work Foundation analysis of nationally representative survey 1,138 working age adults with long-term health conditions (May 2025). Lancaster University and Work Foundation logos.
Workers with long-term health conditions’ perception that overall, their employers’ actions had supported them to stay in work, by access to workplace health intervention. Our results revealed: - Workers given more control over work (68%), workers not given more control over work (33%) - Workers provided with periods of sick leave (67%), workers provided with periods of sick leave (34%) - Workers given flexibility over work location (72%), workers not given flexibility over work location (35%) - Workers provided with flexibility to change job description and role (72%), workers not provided with flexibility to change job description and role (35%). Lancaster University and Work Foundation logos.
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “Despite the Chancellor seeking to strike a robust tone regarding the impact of the Government’s economic agenda, ultimately the pace of progress remains slow. “The OBR’s forecasts underline that 2026 is likely to continue to be highly challenging – particularly for workers struggling with the cost of living crisis and for young people struggling to find a secure job. “It’s critical that the Government seeks to go further and faster in driving wider economic growth during a period of international uncertainty." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Thursday 26 February 2026 | Online No NEET solution? Tackling youth unemployment in the UK The number of young people not earning or learning remains stubbornly close to one million. The Government has responded to the immediate challenge by announcing an £820 million youth participation package, including an investigation into the root causes of youth unemployment. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to review the latest figures on young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training, and what it means for young people, local communities, the labour market and the Government. > Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University > Susannah Hardyman, Chief Executive, Impetus > Shuab Gamote, Researcher and Advisor > Chris Smyth, Public Policy Editor, The Financial Times Work Foundation logo
Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University One in eight young people not earning or learning “Today’s data is a stark reminder of the magnitude of the challenge facing young people & the Government. One in eight young people aged 16-24 are stuck out of education, employment, or training – with the overall number remaining stubbornly close to one million. “Disabled young people are hit particularly hard, and there is a considerable risk that more young people will slip into long-term worklessness unless Government acts to address the causes of this rise. Work Foundation logo | Lancaster University logo
We’re hiring! At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market. Location: Policy Advisor (maternity cover) Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (+ £3,506 London Weighting, pro-rata) Benefits: USS pension & generous holidays Hybrid - London or Lancaster Contract: 10-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) Deadline: 23.59, Thursday 5 March 2026
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Thursday 26 February 2026 | Online No NEET solution? Tackling youth unemployment in the UK The number of young people not earning or learning remains stubbornly close to one million. The Government has responded to the immediate challenge by announcing an £820 million youth participation package, including an investigation into the root causes of youth unemployment. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to review the latest figures on young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training, and what it means for young people, local communities, the labour market and the Government. > Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University > Susannah Hardyman, Chief Executive, Impetus > Shuab Gamote, Researcher and Advisor > Chris Smyth, Public Policy Editor, The Financial Times Work Foundation logo
WORK MATTERS 2026 11.00 - 12.00 | Tuesday 24 March 2026 | Online Is the rise in remote and hybrid work in the UK now under threat? Six years on from the first Covid-19 lockdown, working from home has become a mainstream practice, with many employers moving beyond initial emergency measures and actively redesign roles to support flexible working. But more employers are calling staff ‘back to the office’, with a sharp fall in remote vacancies in recent months. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and an expert panel to explore the future of remote and hybrid work in the UK, and how it can be utilised to improve access to secure and flexible employment in the years ahead. Speakers > Baroness Needham -Scott (Chair, Lords Homebased Working Committee) > Dr Paula Holland (Senior Lecturer, Lancaster University) > Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University. Work Foundation logo
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Thursday 26 February 2026 | Online No NEET solution? Tackling youth unemployment in the UK The number of young people not earning or learning remains stubbornly close to one million. The Government has responded to the immediate challenge by announcing an £820 million youth participation package, including an investigation into the root causes of youth unemployment. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to review the latest figures on young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training, and what it means for young people, local communities, the labour market and the Government. > Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University > Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands > Susannah Hardyman, Chief Executive, Impetus > Shuab Gamote, Researcher and Advisor > Chris Smyth, Public Policy Editor, The Financial Times Work Foundation logo
Image of chat showing that since 1994/5 the percentage of people in poverty who are in very deep poverty has increased, and now makes almost half of people in poverty
Front page of Joseph Rowntree Foundation report into UK Poverty 2026: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK.
14.00 - 15.15 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online event Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 The Employment Rights Act represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Act, which became law in late 2025, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Act. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. The event will be chaired by Ben Harrison (Director, Work Foundation) and we're delighted to have an outstanding panel of speakers including: ▪ Claire Burns MCIPD (People Director, Abraham Moon & Sons) ▪ Laura McFadyen (Partner, Stephens Scown LLP) ▪ Sampson Low (Head of Policy, UNISON) ▪ George Williams (Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation) ▪ Alice Martin (Head of Research, Work Foundation).
Woman at computer with hand on head
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University One in three people out of work in the UK wants a job (3.86 million) "The situation is complex but the outcome is simple: there are now more people chasing fewer jobs. "That’s why Ministers must act to boost employer confidence, increase investment in growth and support the creation of secure, flexible jobs that people can actually access." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 14.00 - 15.30 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online event The Employment Rights Act represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Act, which became law in late 2025, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Act. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. The event will be chaired by Ben Harrison (Director, Work Foundation) and we're delighted to have an outstanding panel of speakers including: ▪ Claire Burns MCIPD (People Director, Abraham Moon & Sons) ▪ Laura McFadyen (Partner, Stephens Scown LLP) ▪ Sampson Low (Head of Policy, UNISON) ▪ George Williams (Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation) ▪ Alice Martin (Head of Research, Work Foundation)
Graph on national minimum wage rises in the UK, showing that the National Living Wage (aged 21+) is at £12.71, the national minimum wage for those aged 21-22 is at £10.85 and the 16-17 rate is at £8.00.
Aman Navani, Research & Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Will the Government change tack on Europe? "The Government has struggled to make meaningful progress on its primary mission of boosting economic growth. The labour market is cooling and unemployment is on the rise, especially for young people. "With the Government running out of time to turn things around, will it be bolder in pursuing a closer economic relationship with the EU?" Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 14.00 - 15.30 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online event The Employment Rights Act represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Act, which became law in late 2025, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Act. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Jon Fitzmaurice, Head of External Engagement, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Will Government action on cost of living put more money in your pocket? "Despite historically strong regular pay growth, real wages have risen by just £2.73 a week on average in the last year. In response, the Government has promised to cut family energy bills and freeze rail fares to ease inflationary pressures. But with wage growth stalling, will these measures be enough to make a tangible difference for workers struggling to make ends meet?" Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Jess Redmond, Policy Advisor, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Are platform workers left in the lurch? "The Government’s decision to not address the legal question of worker status for platform or ‘gig’ economy workers may come to bite them once the Employment Rights Bill comes into effect. There has been ambiguity around whether platform workers should be considered “limb (b) workers” – a kind of ‘middle ground’ status between employee and self-employed – under employment law, or whether the provisions in the ERB should apply to them." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
George Williams, Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Local elections - a crunch point for the Government "On 7 May large parts of the UK will head to the polls to vote in English local elections, the Scottish Parliament election or the Senedd election in Wales. "Whatever the outcome, the results and ensuing debates on where the Government has gone wrong (or right), will likely shape the political narrative for the coming year.Which could have major repercussions on the Government’s policy agenda on employment, health and welfare." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Emelia Williams, Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University "As nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET), tackling youth inactivity will be a key focus in 2026. In particular, last month former Health Secretary Alan Milburn announced an independent investigation into what’s leading the rise in youth inactivity, with a particular focus on the impact of mental health conditions and disability. In the new year, the Work Foundation, in partnership with the Runnymede Trust and the Youth Futures Foundation, will also be publishing new place-based research exploring the depth of experiences of young people of colour and the employment landscape in four case study areas across the UK." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University A focus on tackling unemployment "We ended 2025 with unemployment on the rise, vacancies falling and those out of work finding it more challenging to get a job. I expect the argument surrounding why more firms appear reluctant to hire will escalate further in 2026. Some will argue Government interventions on employer NICs, rises in the minimum wage and the Employment Rights Act are to blame, while others will focus on wider structural issues with the UK economy and labour market." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos
Alice Martin Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University A new agency on the side of workers "In April, the new Fair Work Agency will bring fragmented regulators together to enforce minimum wage, holiday and sick pay, and basic employment rights. If effective, it could rebuild workers’ confidence, reduce pressure on tribunals, and raise standards in sectors like hospitality, retail, construction and care. With limited resources, success will depend on working closely with trade unions, community groups, investors and local government to find and tackle bad practice early." Work Foundation and Lancaster University logos.
WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Thursday 26 February 2026 | Online No NEET solution? Tackling youth unemployment in the UK The UK has had a significant population of young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training for over 20 years but the challenge for policymakers has evolved. The number of NEETs remains stubbornly close to one million – or one in eight young people aged 16-24 – after a large rise following the pandemic. The Government has responded to the immediate challenge by announcing an £820 million youth participation package, while also appointing Rt Hon Alan Milburn to lead an investigation into the root causes of record unemployment and inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds. Join the Work Foundation and a panel of experts to review the latest ONS figures on young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training, and discuss what it means for young people, local communities, the labour market and the Government. Work Foundation logo
Sir Charlie Mayfield speaking with Ben Harrison at Work and Health Summit
Getting ready for employment reforms in 2026 14.00 - 15.30 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Online The Employment Rights Bill represents the largest change to employment legislation in a generation. The Bill, which is likely to receive Royal Assent in the coming weeks, features a host of significant legislative reforms designed to improve access to secure and high-quality work. Key measures including limiting ‘exploitative’ zero-hour contracts, the introduction of new ‘day one’ employment rights for all workers on flexible working, sick pay, parental leave, a reduction in the duration of unfair dismissal and a new Fair Work Agency to ensure compliance with employment law. The Government has set-out a two-year implementation roadmap for the Bill. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to explore the key changes coming up in 2026 and how workers and employers can prepare. Work Foundation logo
Learning and Work Insitute report No train no gain Can the UK boost job mobility and pay growth over the next decade Sranvathi Vempalli, Lovedeep Vaid, Aaron Revel, Stephen Evans November 2025
Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Autumn Budget 2025 - Work Foundation priorities 1. Fast-track funding for employment support and connect to job creation plans to reduce the risk of long-term unemployment 2. Provide the necessary resources to address health related economic inactivity 3. Resist returning to welfare cuts that would harm jobseekers, workers and undermine long-term growth 4. Resource the employment enforcement system to protect workers’ rights. Logos of Lancaster University and the Work Foundation.
Quote of Rebecca Florisson, Principal Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “Today’s data shows that the number of young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training remains stubbornly close to one million. "With unemployment across the labour market rising and vacancies having declined over the last 12 months, there is a serious risk more young people will slip into long-term worklessness without further Government intervention." Lancaster University logo Work Foundation logo
14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 19 November 2025 | Online A Budget for economic and labour market renewal? As the Autumn Budget approaches, the Chancellor is facing tough choices against a backdrop of continued sluggish growth, a cooling labour market, constrained public finances and a political imperative to deliver the kinds of changes that ensure voters feel better off during this Parliament. Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University and a panel of experts to review the latest labour market and inflation statistics and discuss how the Chancellor can improve living standards. Ben Harrison, Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Trussell Suren Thiru, Economics Director, ICAEW Duncan Weldon, Economist, broadcaster & writer Work Foundation logo