IER is currently conducting research on platform work as part of the GIG-OSH projectLink opens in a new window across eight European countries including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
The study aims to investigate the work environment and health related to digital platform work, and ultimately aims to promote a safe and healthy work environment for digital platform workers in Europe. As part of the project, we are conducting a survey of digital platform workers, with follow-up interviews with a subset of the survey participants. The insights gained from these workers (alongside other stakeholders such as managers, labour inspectors, and union representatives) can provide new guidance for decision-makers, companies, and trade unions to protect the health of the European workforce.
Survey participants have a chance to win one of five shopping vouchers worth £100. Those who agree to take part in a more detailed follow up interview will be compensated for their time.
A report published by the Department for Education presents evidence on the need for a skills classification for the UK, and plans for the development and maintenance of such a classification.
Findings from a survey conducted for the research revealed two thirds of all respondents stated that a standard skills classification would improve data sharing with other organisations, and a high proportion thought it would facilitate innovation and the development of new services. Further discussions with stakeholders also highlighted strong (and unanimous) support for a standard skills classification. Again, the need for a common framework and terminology for skills was emphasised, allowing users to align their proprietary frameworks and reduce processing difficulties and costs when merging with data from other sources.
The research was led by IER's Peter EliasLink opens in a new window, with Andy Dickerson (University of Sheffield) and Neil Bachelor (Omnifolio C.I.C.).
Presentation on the business case for more good jobs
At the end of October, Dr Emily EricksonLink opens in a new window and Prof. Chris WarhurstLink opens in a new window of IER presented a report on the business case for more good jobs to the Board of the Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency. The focus was on the links between good jobs on the one hand; and innovation, productivity and employee wellbeing within firms on the other hand. Based on the findings, the report makes several recommendations for enhancing policy in Northern Ireland on good jobs.
The report is the outcome of a joint ReWAGE/IER research project undertaken with IER colleagues Dr Jamelia Harris, Gaby Atfield and Rebeka Balogh, with inputs from Dr Sally Wright of Sheffield University and from ReWAGE experts Katie Bailey of Kings College London and Patricia Findlay of Strathclyde University.
Presentation on the future of green skills and jobs
IER’s Peter DickinsonLink opens in a new window was part of a team of experts that presented scenarios for green jobs and skills at the ISINNOVA workshop "Futures of Green Skills and Jobs Activities: Scenarios and R&I Policy Implications."
The workshopLink opens in a new window brought together researchers studying the implications for jobs and skills from the green transition with policy experts across various domains to discuss the awareness and preparedness for upcoming risks and challenges. The outcomes from the workshop will be published in a policy brief.
Presentation on inspiring skills and matching policy
Terence HogarthLink opens in a new window gave a presentation at Cedefop’s fifth virtual get-together on 17th October 2023. The presentation was titled 'Inspiring Skills Matching Policy: From evidence to action', and reflected on good skills anticipation and matching policy.
Cedefop used the virtual eventLink opens in a new window to showcase the main building blocks of several innovative skills anticipation and matching initiatives recently implemented in EU Member States.
Equality and diversity toolkit welcomed by speakers at launch
The findings highlighted six good practice principles identified by the research: collaboration and partnership working; supplier engagement; strategic alignment; consistency; resourcing and senior leadership commitment. They also pointed to a need for further information about how to incorporate equality and diversity considerations into their procurement activities, which the toolkit aims to address.
Emphasising the “golden thread” that should be woven throughout each of the five stages of procurement, Frances McAndrew introduced the toolkit, highlighting its interactive format, which allows users to move easily between the stages of the procurement process and to return to the toolkit at various points in the procurement journey. Speakers from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the TUC and four of the nine case study organisations involved in the research spoke about good practice in their organisations and highlighted the value of the toolkit. A recording of the session will soon be available on the project websiteLink opens in a new window.
His talk focused on ‘Good Work and its benefits for business’. Drawing on research undertaken with colleagues in IER, he outlined findings on the links between Good Work, innovation, productivity and employee wellbeing.
Rebeka's blog summarised evidence from a recent IER scoping review on job quality and health. The review found that considerable evidence has been published, for instance, on the psychosocial work environment and its links to workers’ health. Other aspects of job and employment quality, including job insecurity, have also been linked to adverse mental health, as has decreasing income. Some, but not all, evidence, links long working hours to depression (what constitutes ‘long’ working hours can also differ).
