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Work Matters 2023: The UK labour market in an international context

Work Matters 2023: The UK labour market in an international context

The UK’s workforce is smaller than it was pre-pandemic with the OECD labelling it the ‘worse performer’ in the G7 for workforce participation since Covid-19. Employers are struggling to recruit, and workers continue to live through an unparalleled and enduring crisis in living standards. Against this backdrop, the IMF has forecast that the UK economy will not suffer a recession in 2023 and has recommended the Government should look to alleviate sectoral and skilled labour shortages. While other economists have stated that inflation remains ‘sticky’ and warned that the UK could face a recession in 2024. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
June 7, 2023
Seth Godin’s blog – Who cares?

Seth Godin’s blog – Who cares?

A question we don’t ask ourselves very often, but a choice we make every day. It’s tempting to not care. If you choose to not care, you’re off the hook. It’s simply to do as little as possible, avoid too much trouble, ask if it will be on the test, try to stay off the hook, so what… On the other hand, caring can lead to heartbreak. Caring is the chance to make a difference, to actually be involved in what happens next. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
June 7, 2023
Gingerbread – Why is our mission to support single parent families?

Gingerbread – Why is our mission to support single parent families?

There are two million single parents with majority care for their kids in Britain today – that’s one in four families with children. Single parents do a brilliant job, but paying the bills and juggling work and family life on your own can be a real challenge. Less than half of single parents receive money from their child’s other parent, and children in single parent families are twice as likely as children in couple families to live in poverty. The majority of single parents are working, but two-thirds of them say finances are still a constant struggle at best. And even though there’s no such thing as a typical single parent, nearly three quarters have experienced stereotyping or prejudice. Click…
Dr Neil Thompson
June 7, 2023
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Choose your time and place

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Choose your time and place

Sometimes there are sensitive issues that need to be addressed – for example, pointing out to someone that their behaviour is causing you (or others) problems or is contrary to law or policy. Bringing this to their attention in front of other people or when feelings are running high (if their behaviour has caused annoyance, for example) can mean that they lose face and can feel ‘got at’. This can not only make the situation worse by antagonizing them, but could also potentially lead to a complaint of bullying, on the grounds that your behaviour was humiliating and contrary to their dignity. It is important not to shy away from sensitive issues, but we do have to make sure that…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 23, 2023
CIPD – Wellbeing at Work factsheet

CIPD – Wellbeing at Work factsheet

Fostering employee wellbeing is good for people and the organisation. Promoting wellbeing can help prevent stress and create positive working environments where individuals and organisations can thrive. Good health and wellbeing can be a core enabler of employee engagement and organisational performance. The COVID-19 pandemic has also pushed employee health and wellbeing to the top of the business agenda over the past few years. This factsheet focuses on wellbeing in the workplace, explaining why it matters. We outline the domains of our wellbeing model, and look at the role of different stakeholders in cultivating a healthy workplace. Explore our viewpoint on employee health and wellbeing in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers. Click here to…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 23, 2023
Seth Godin’s blog – What comes after trust?

Seth Godin’s blog – What comes after trust?

Walk into a bank with a stocking on your head and you’re probably going to get arrested. Civil society as we know it is dependent on identity and responsibility. A person does something and owns the consequences. This requirement of identity leads to the dynamic of the free market that we call trust. Even companies, which aren’t people but lately have been given many of their privileges, occasionally have to pay the price for abusing our trust. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 23, 2023
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Foundation – Sustainable Future

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Foundation – Sustainable Future

Climate change caused by human activity is threatening the well-being of humanity. The wealthiest countries and individuals are responsible for a disproportionate share of emissions, whilst the poorest countries and sections of society are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Similarly, our use of natural resources is unsustainable and unjust. Technological change is essential but not sufficient; fundamental changes to economic models and social norms will also be required, but there is not yet sufficient public or political consensus to make these changes. JRCT is deeply concerned about climate change and its effects, and believes that our care for future generations morally compels us to play a part in tackling it. We see it as both a…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 23, 2023