Work and Pensions Committee adopts the Institute's 'Work 5.0' recommendation

The Institute for the Future of Work responds to the Work and Pensions Committee report on the Department for Work and Pension’s preparations for changes in the world of work.

‍Following contributions from the Institute for the Future of Work during the Work and Pension Committees Inquiry on ‘DWP preparations for changes in the world of work’ the Committee’s report takes on a number of the institute's policy recommendations.

The Work and Pensions Committee report adopts the Institute for the Future of Work recommendation of a ‘Work 5.0 Strategy’ in its recommendation for a cross-departmental strategy for how to respond to long-term changes in the labour market. This should set out plans for different possible scenarios, response to the impact of new technology on the number and quality of available jobs, the skills needed to perform these jobs, and the differential impact that changes could have between sectors, regions and demographic groups.

Like the Institute for the Future of Work, the Committee calls for the Government to bring forward its Employment Bill to protect the rising number of people in precarious forms of work, such as people on zero-hours contracts or working in the gig economy.

The report also recommends that the ONS should add questions about technology adoption to its Annual Business Survey, as the Institute for the Future of Work has suggested.

‍Anna Thomas, Director of the Institute for the Future of Work, responding to the report said:‍

“The Committees report illustrates the need for the Government to take urgent action to prepare the economy for the impact of vastly accelerating technological changes. The Committee agrees with the Institute for the Future of Work that we need the Government to act now, to bring forward the Employment Bill.

“We need to see worker-centered policy that prioritises the creation and promotion of good work. If the Government fails to act now, the impact on the labour market and communities across the country will be felt for years to come.”

ENDS

Institute for the Future of Work Director Anna Thomas is available for interview.

Contact for Interview and Other Requests

Hana Al-Izzi, Institute for the Future of Work Advocacy and Communications Lead: 07807626409 hana@ifow.org‍

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Work and Pensions Committee Report on DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work is available here.
2. The Institute for the Future of Work is an independent research and development institute that explores how new technologies are transforming work and working lives. We research and develop practical solutions to promote people’s future wellbeing and prosperity. Co-founded by Nobel prize winning economist Sir Christopher Pissarides, technologist Naomi Climer CBE and employment barrister Anna Thomas, we work at the intersection of government, industry and civil society to shape a fairer future through better work.

‍

‍