About ReWAGE
ReWAGE is an independent expert advisory group modelled on SAGELink opens in a new window that is co-chaired by the Universities of Warwick and Leeds. It analyses the latest work and employment research to advise the government on addressing the challenges facing the UK’s productivity and prosperity, such as Covid-19, the cost-of-living crisis and labour shortages.
Its recommendations cover:
- the maintenance and creation of jobs
- improving the quality of jobs
- ensuring that the workforce has the right skills to access those jobs
- and making access to training and jobs available to all.
Its scope covers employers, employees and the self-employed.
ReWAGE is independent of government, but is intended to work closely with it, providing a single and collected point of expertise.
Why was ReWAGE convened?
ReWAGE was convened to provide high-quality, evidence-based advice to policy makers that will help them better understand how they can most effectively shape the UK’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. It has since expanded its remit to make recommendations on tackling a wider range of issues facing work and employment in the UK.
This recovery is the responsibility of three UK Government departments: Work & Pensions (DWP); Education (DfE); Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) alongside the HM Treasury and Cabinet Office.
Some responsibility is also devolved to the governments and administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the English regions.
Expert advice from ReWAGE will help to support a strategic and coordinated approach.
Who contributes to ReWAGE?
ReWAGE is co-chaired by Professors Chris Warhurst and Irena Grugulis of Warwick and Leeds Universities respectively. Its Expert Group comprises over 30 senior experts from universities and research organisations from a range of relevant disciplines from across the UK. It also has an Advisory Group drawn from business, trade union and civil society organisations.
ReWAGE produces policy evidence papers, policy briefs and reports with evidence-based recommendations for government. These publications are published on the ReWAGE website and promoted through government and media channels.
ReWAGE is managed by a Secretariat and guided by a Steering Group.
How ReWAGE is funded
Initial funding for the group was provided by the Universities of Warwick and Leeds. Core funding is provided by the Economic and Social Research CouncilLink opens in a new window. The ESRC is the major public funder of economic and social research in the UK. The ESRC funds a number of Covid-related research projectsLink opens in a new window, which have produced policy briefs for ReWAGE.
