The biggest change for in-work skills policy for decades is about to be implemented with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy this April. The new levy and associated reforms aim to drive up the quantity of training, and in so doing to tackle both our low productivity and failure to offer sufficient high quality routes … Continued

Speech by Employment Minister Damian Hinds The UK jobs market has surpassed all expectations in recent years, with employment reaching a record high at the start of 2016 and staying there for the rest of the year. But this success has not been spread equally. While over-50s have accounted for two-thirds of net jobs growth, … Continued

From the rise of the gig economy and self-employment, to zero-hours contracts and agency work the modern workplace is changing rapidly. But the policy response to these huge shifts – from employment rights to the taxation of profits and pay – has been slow to catch up. Where does policy need to change to reflect … Continued

Launch of Resolution Foundation investigation into agency work From the gig economy to record self-employment, new forms of atypical work have grabbed the headlines. Meanwhile others, such as agency work, have slipped below the radar. Sports Direct’s use of zero hour contracts in their stores was big news, but the exploitation of agency staff at … Continued

Keynote speech from Business Minister Margot James Britain has among the highest proportion of low paid workers in any advanced economy – a record that has barely changed in 20 years. The National Living Wage will transform the countries’ low pay landscape and boost the pay of around six million workers. But will plans to … Continued

The National Living Wage has attracted much attention since its announcement last Summer, but that hasn’t stopped more employers signing up to the real Living Wage, which crucially is rooted in the cost of living facing families. But in this new environment, what is needed to ensure that the Living Wage campaign continues to go … Continued

Since the National Living Wage (NLW) was introduced in April, the wages of millions of low paid workers have seen a significant boost. Many more are expected to benefit as the rate increases over the course of the parliament. But how will the economic uncertainty from the Brexit vote affect the new wage floor? Will … Continued

Advances in robotics are already having a major impact on economies and the world of work. But how much change and disruption might a new generation of technological advances bring? Will AI and machine learning prove a spur for businesses and consumers, or will predictions of the end of many jobs materialise? What is the … Continued

Speech by Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson The government’s welcome ambition to halve the employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people will play a crucial role in meeting its wider economic goal of securing full employment. But people with health problems or a disability remain far less likely to have a job than those … Continued

Public policy is often focused on boosting high-level skills and helping those with the poorest qualifications. But those in between are often overlooked, despite representing over a third of the working age population. How are non-graduates faring in Britain today? What career routes are working, and who is being left behind? How can we break … Continued