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Dr Sangwoo Lee, Assistant Professor, Institute for Employment Research, said: 'The minor reduction in unemployment seen in today's data, is accompanied by a 0.3 % increase in economic inactivity - partly driven by discouraged jobseekers retreating from the market rather than being absorbed into stable jobs. We're also seeing a gradual shift towards non-traditional working arrangements. Strengthening protection these workers should be a priority.

We were delighted that IER’s Dr Emily EricksonLink opens in a new window was invited to give evidence to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee on 20 May, contributing to an international panel of experts. Chaired by Debbie Abrahams MP, the committee’s inquiry ‘Youth employment, education and training’ aligns with the Government’s focus on youth employment.

The Committee was keen to understand how the UK compares to other nations and what solutions can be shared. Emily highlighted findings from two international projects on apprenticeships (Skills2CapabilitiesLink opens in a new window and a Matched Plant study) as well as work to develop a shared vision for a high-quality vocational education and training (VET) system for England by 2050 (VET2050Link opens in a new window).

IER researchers presented their papers at the 2025, held in Stockholm, Sweden from 7-9 May 2025, including findings from a project focusing on the occupational health and safety of gig workers (GIG OSHLink opens in a new window). The conference brought together experts and stakeholders to explore sustainable work practices and their implications for worker wellbeing and policy development.

On May 23rd, Dr David Owen presented a paper entitled "" at the UK Data Service Labour Force and Annual Population Surveys User Conference 2024 in London.

This by Chris Warhurst, Richard Hall and Diane Van Den Broek, published in the edited by Adelina Broadridge, examines the operation of the anti-lookism component of the equalities law in the Australian state of Victoria.