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As we enter this final stretch of the year, we find ourselves reflecting both on progress on key projects and momentum taking us into new work.
We have just this week reconstituted the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Work, continuing our goals of shaping fair and forward-thinking policy in the UK. Our co-chair Lord Knight of Weymouth has reprised his role, and is joined by three new officers; Andrew Pakes MP as Co-Chair, and Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Kirsty Blackman MP as Vice-Chairs.
In our Deep Dive below you will find a summary analysis of our response to the Budget Statement this week, and further below links to new publications on agri-bots and the future of farming – a critical sector in post-Brexit Britain, and analysis of how we can build a more egalitarian future of work.
We’re also building to the closing conference of the Pissarides Review on 27th January. This will be held at The Shard in London, but will also featurea number of satellite venues around the UK. It promises to be a rich and significant day of discussion about the practical and policy implications of the research undertaken over the past three years with funding from the Nuffield Foundation. Do save the date!
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re excited to share exciting news about new projects very soon.
Anna and the IFOW team
The recent Budget Statement, notably delivered by the first female Chancellor and characterised by the BBC as a "big and consequential", took aim at the country's economic challenges through tax rises to fund strategic investment and technological transformation. But to what extent will this push for growth also deliver good work? Our full analysis can be found here, but headlines include:
On investment and innovation: enthusiasm for the Industrial Strategy Green Paper which should, through wide consultation with regional leaders, unions, CEOs and others lead to a more joined-up approach. The creation of the National Wealth Fund and the National Data Library should also have positive impacts.
On skills and training: support for the creation of Skills England to renew policy across this vital area. Support for working families and carers is also welcomed, and we are pleased to see the government emphasise again the need to invest in high-skill, high-quality jobs.
On investments in new technologies: we know that these have the potential to deliver gains in productivity and efficiency – but note that a socio-technical approach is needed and that people using new tools must be engaged right across the technology lifecycle.
A ‘big’ budget then, with ambition to modernise, stabilise and grow our economy – with much-needed investment in infrastructure hopefully now coming on stream. But it is also one that is asking firms to shoulder a bigger burden to pay for these things, and to trust that the extra contributions that they will be making will deliver for the country, and lead to better growth - and better jobs. We stand ready to offer our expertise to both firms and government to help make the choices the Chancellor made ones that do lead to a fairer future of better work.
In her first blog for IFOW, our research fellow Dr Kate Vredenburgh argues that AI presents both challenges and opportunities for creating fairer workplaces and labour markets. Vrendenburgh urges policymakers to view AI through an egalitarian lens, focusing on three main priorities.
Another new piece for IFOW features University of Warwick’s Emilio Loo-Monardez, who discusses the intense challenges facing agriculture due to climate change, labour shortages, and the need for sustainable food production. For lasting impact, he states that the Fourth Agricultural Revolution must integrate human roles and expand technology access globally to maximise social and economic benefits.
PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2024 highlights four key ways daily users of generative AI (GenAI) are driving workplace change. These users—who tend to be younger, skilled, and from tech-focused sectors—lead by boosting efficiency, innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
We are proud to be members of the Partnership on AI, whose latest report examines how major AI governance frameworks approach transparency and documentation for foundation models. Recommendations include setting common regulatory thresholds, fostering collaboration on AI safety standards, and prioritising inclusive participation, especially from the Global South.
This CEPS report discusses the importance of closing the EU’s skills gap to maintain global competitiveness. It recommends leveraging skills intelligence and focusing on adult education, SMEs, and managers to boost workforce readiness.
Anna Valero and colleagues examine how UK firms are adapting to the dual challenges of AI and climate action. Their report explores how both factors are reshaping work processes and highlights the barriers that are slowing businesses' progress.
The Productivity Institute explores whether an industrial strategy can drive UK productivity growth. It argues that a focused, well-defined strategy is crucial for boosting sectors like green energy and addressing regional productivity gaps. This is highly relevant given the publication of the government's Industrial Strategy Green Paper, which is open for consultation until 24th November.
This webinar is hosted by The Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Fairness Foundation, exploring the themes of Torsten Bell's latest book and his vision for revitalising the UK's economy and society. The discussion will focus on strategies for reclaiming Britain’s prosperity and fostering a fairer, more resilient society. Zoom link here.
Hosted by ADR UK, the ONS Research Capability 2024 is themed ‘Building Research Capability and Community’ and will focus on enhancing data research and analytical skills. Register here.
The Resolution Foundation is launching The Unsung Britain project, a new research initiative focused on ways to improve the living standards of low-to-middle-income families. The project will kick off with a keynote speech from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook. The event will be open for people to physically attend, alongside being broadcast via YouTube and the Resolution Foundation website.
Register here.
IMPACT 2024 virtual summit brings together the world’s top data leaders and practitioners for a 1-day virtual event to discover how modern data teams accelerate growth, create new business value, and drive Data and AI trust at scale.
Register here.
Women in Tech Oxfordshire events bring together women and allies in tech for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. For November, the talk will discuss how to utilise your anger to make positive changes in your workplace and focus on real-world implications and the reality of working in AI.
Tickets here.
The Digital Transformation Conference brings together those working within the many facets of digital business transformation, technology, innovation & strategy.
Register here.
This event aims to support Black women in tech and finance, offering workshops, networking, and sessions tailored for both professionals and early career attendees. Highlights include discussions on wellness, networking strategies, and skills development with recruiters from major firms like Palantir, BT, and HSBC.
Tickets here.
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Anna Thomas MBE
