
The Work Foundation is a leading think tank for improving work in the UK. Part of @LancasterManage at Lancaster Uni. Bluesky: https://xitter.cf/t.co/wLadZon5GQ
- Tweets17.7K
- Following1.8K
- Followers10.9K
- Likes2.1K

ALT Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University "Today's figures show a fall in unemployment, but the Government should not be complacent ahead of next week’s Budget. The UK is still amidst a jobs drought with vacancies at their lowest for over 12 years outside of the pandemic. "For too many young people there are simply not enough suitable jobs available to them. Overall, vacancies have fallen to 691,000 – the lowest level outside the pandemic since 2014 – while Work Foundation research shows that adverts for starter jobs have almost halved over the past."

ALT Aman Navani Senior Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University “Today’s labour market figures reveal the Chancellor faces a significant challenge at the Budget as subdued private sector wage growth and rising prices means millions of workers are still waiting for recent economic growth to reach their pay packets. “Early public sector pay awards have helped lift overall nominal wage growth to 3.7%, but average real earnings for private sector employees are £1.60 per week lower than a year ago. “The Chancellor must use next week’s Budget to protect the living standards of those under greatest pressure. "

ALT WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 16 September 2026 | Online How can Government boost jobs, pay and living standards? The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Unemployment has risen to 4.9%, while vacancies have fallen to their lowest level outside the pandemic for more than a decade. Inflation remains above target and pay growth is slowing, raising concerns that progress on living standards could stall. As politicians head for party conference season, and the Government looks ahead to the Budget, what does a cooling labour market mean for workers, employers and policymakers? Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Nicola Parkinson Group Head of People, Eric Wright Group Sanjay Raja Chief UK Economist, Deutsche Bank Prof Hilary Ingham Head of Economics, Lancaster University Work Foundation logo

ALT WORK MATTERS 2026 14.00 - 15.00 | Wednesday 16 September 2026 | Online How can Government boost jobs, pay and living standards? The UK labour market is continuing to lose momentum. Unemployment has risen to 4.9%, while vacancies have fallen to their lowest level outside the pandemic for more than a decade. Inflation remains above target and pay growth is slowing, raising concerns that progress on living standards could stall. As politicians head for party conference season, and the Government looks ahead to the Budget, what does a cooling labour market mean for workers, employers and policymakers? Ben Harrison Director, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Nicola Parkinson Group Head of People, Eric Wright Group Sanjay Raja Chief UK Economist, Deutsche Bank Prof Hilary Ingham Head of Economics, Lancaster University Work Foundation logo

ALT Tuesday 8 September | 14.00 - 15.00 | Online Reducing youth economic inactivity The role of metro mayors Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire — Keynote Alice Martin, Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University Elaine Bowker, Principal & Chief Executive, The City of Liverpool College Michelle Burton, Head of Employment and Skills, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities (chair). Work Foundation and Centre for Cities logos.


