Our events and activities are bought to you by a range interdisciplinary research groups and researchers. Our aim is to bring you thought-provoking events and activities that link to our GRP Themes: Productivity, Innovation, The Futures of Work, Creative Industries and Health & Wellbeing.

Our Events Calendar

Previous Events

Work and Equalities Institute Fifth Fairness at Work Conference Fairness and Work Futures

• When: Monday 23rd January - Tuesday 24th January 2023.
• Where: University of Manchester

Building on the four previous Fairness at Work Conferences at the University of Manchester (in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018), the 2023 conference aims to bring together academics and practitioners to discuss strategic issues on the subject of fairness at work. The last decade has seen a major shift in the environment of work and employment in terms of political instability and contradictory regulatory politics, as well as environmental sustainability and technological disruption challenges. Ongoing issues of equality, wellbeing and health have been increasingly laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political developments, while an evolving cost of living crisis further highlights issues of low pay, precariousness, and social protection. These developments have reinvigorated debates regarding the role of the state with regards to the economy and employment relations both at the national and local level. Within this context the language of, and interest in, fairness and decent work has become more widespread albeit in an uneven manner. Across issues such as equality, social inclusion, and wellbeing, for example, there are exhaustive attempts by public and private actors - and interests - to redefine and reshape the workplace and broader policy landscape, leading to competing sets of agendas and contested spaces. The future of work seems to be increasingly questioned in terms of the way fairness and decent work are defined.

Drawing on the four research themes of the Work and Equalities Institute papers are invited in the following broadly defined areas:

• Fair treatment and dignity at work;
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion;
• Employment regulation, worker participation and trade unionism;
• Business transformations, technology, and the future of work.

The conference aims to provide a space for substantive discussions on such issues as well as the way the future(s) of work and their regulation and body of rights will develop in the light of the ruptures and challenges posed by contemporary developments.

Future of Work 2023 Conference - Chatham House

• When: 14 March 2023 — 9:30AM - 5:00PM
• Where: Chatham House & Online

Stimulating investment in skills and human capital

Economies are at a pivotal point for the future of work and labour markets. Workforce and workplace expectations are changing and developed economies are tackling major skills and employment challenges in the context of a cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation and labour shortages.

This evolving landscape presents an opportunity for organizations and governments alike to build a thriving world of work that puts people at its core. By creating more inclusive labour markets, investing in skills and innovation and pioneering new employment models, productivity and career longevity can be improved regardless of labour force status, occupation or location.

Against this backdrop, the conference convenes business leaders, policymakers, representatives from multilateral institutions and labour market experts for high-level discussions and under the Chatham House Rule sessions to explore the key trends impacting the changing world of work.

RSS Gig Economy Seminar

Event details TBC.

KPMG Workshop

Event details TBC.