Life in contemporary Britain is increasingly blighted by the threat of economic insecurity.
Over the last two decades, in-work poverty has risen steadily. Wages have flatlined and more workers find it difficult to escape prolonged period of low pay. Our 2019 research found that 30 percent of all workers do not feel they earn enough to maintain a decent standard of living.
We're identifying where gaps in support – from the state, communities or employers – contribute to this rising tide of insecurity.
During the Covid-19 pandemic we will be focusing primarily on the economic security of Britain’s key workers – the workers who kept Britain going during lockdown, saving both lives and livelihoods. As we look to build a better future beyond the pandemic it is vital that those who most helped us get through it are properly supported to enjoy secure and fulfilling lives – at work and beyond.
We're particularly keen to listen and learn from the experience of key workers during the pandemic. Share your story.
Tackling economic insecurity in key workers should be an urgent public policy priority. This report puts forward a comprehensive plan to ensure key workers are properly supported to enjoy secure, healthy, fulfilling lives.
Our findings show key workers need support to allow them to live comfortably among the communities they serve.
Key workers have kept the country going during the pandemic, but some are facing the worst of the economic turmoil created by it.
Our survey finds key workers feel stressed and at burn-out point. We need a ‘new deal’ to reward and support those who provide critical frontline services.
Helping everyone, regardless of background or starting point, find good work in an age of technological change.
Blog
Jake Jooshandeh
Read how our call for private-sector key workers to be eligible for affordable housing prioritisation was met with a GLA announcement in December 2021.
Report
Jake Jooshandeh Hannah Webster James Morrison
This research seeks to understand how social housing residents experience economic security and how technological changes to workplaces might impact their futures.
Long form
Jake Jooshandeh
During the pandemic, many key workers have experienced impacts on their economic security, mental and physical health, working and home lives. These are just some of their stories.