Latest Publications
Work, Skills & Education
We research all aspects of education and work, but we focus particularly on aspects that political debate often neglects: further education; vocational and technical education; apprenticeships and lifelong learning; in-work poverty.
Latest Publications:
Publication
Towards better science: More innovative and robust academic research
The productivity of scientists has been stalling, risking economic growth with it. This briefing explores ways in which government policy can address two great challenges facing academic science: falling research productivity and the trustworthiness of its findings.
| Published: | 31 July 2023 |
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| Author: | Will Henshall |
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A duty of care: In-work poverty in London’s public sector
In-work poverty is not just a problem experienced by workers in the private sector. In this report, we explore the experiences of Londoners who work in the public sector and are living in poverty.
| Published: | 07 June 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Jake Shepherd, Richard Hyde |
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Learning from experience: How to make high quality work experience for all a reality
The past decade has brought a decline in the number of school students in England participating in work experience. Far too many have to rely on their parents’ connections to get worthwhile and beneficial experiences. Amidst growing calls for work experience to be accessible for all, in this report we provide a roadmap for rolling out high quality, universal work experience to students in England, in a way that is both equitable and does not compromise quality.
| Published: | 02 March 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Niamh O Regan, Aveek Bhattacharya |
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Working lives: Experiences of in-work poverty in London
In the debate over in-work poverty, the human costs of living on low incomes often get lost. Our in-depth interviews with people in work and living below the poverty line present new insight into the experience of in-work poverty in London.
| Published: | 27 July 2022 |
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| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, Jake Shepherd |
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Fulfilling its potential? How well does the careers information, advice and guidance serve the people it is meant to support in England?
This report examines school leavers and adult learners’ experiences of careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) in England. Drawing on focus groups with school leavers, adult learners and parents, plus discussions with experts and practitioners, it presents new evidence on the way that people engage with IAG. The report makes policy recommendations in order to increase the personalisation, accountability, and accessibility of IAG.
| Published: | 01 April 2022 |
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| Author(s): | Niamh O Regan, Aveek Bhattacharya |
Publication
Installing for time? New evidence on the attitudes of home heat installers towards decarbonisation and heat pumps
This report draws attention to the home heat workforce - the plumbers, heating and gas engineers, and installers - who will be playing an essential in delivering the UK's net zero targets. It provides much-needed insight into the challenges and barriers facing the industry, and highlights the need for policymakers to step in and address them.
| Published: | 08 February 2022 |
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| Author(s): | Amy Norman, Niamh O Regan |
Publication
Capital concerns: Poverty in London and the role of business in helping tackle it
This report calls attention to the scale of in-work poverty in the UK and London today, what drives it, and the impact it has. It is a part of a wider project – created in partnership with Trust for London - to develop a new benchmark that helps businesses tackle in-work poverty.
| Published: | 23 January 2022 |
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| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, Jake Shepherd |
Publication
Rides and responsibilities: Understanding the needs and preferences of those who work in the gig economy
This report builds a picture of the needs and experiences of those doing gig work and how they compare to those in more traditional forms of work. The findings have implications for how policymakers can address the concerns of gig economy workers, as well as for how the platforms should behave towards them.
| Published: | 29 November 2021 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Jake Shepherd |
Publication
Did no one call the plumber? Analysis of the Heat and Buildings Strategy’s approach to skills and workers
This briefing paper analyses the Government’s recent Heat and Buildings Strategy, published last month, insofar that it provides clarity, direction and support for the workers who would deliver the decarbonisation of home heat and thus play a key role in the UK’s Net Zero plans.
| Published: | 18 November 2021 |
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| Author: | Amy Norman |