IEA Featured Labour Market

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has hailed the latest ONS UK labour market figures as proof of his plan for jobs is working. IEA Editorial and Research Fellow, Professor Len Shackleton, commented on the data in the Daily Express saying: "although the UK labour market is in a much better place than seemed possible in the ... Continue reading

In his bi-weekly column for The Times, IEA Director General Mark Littlewood argued that trade unions and legislators have failed to adapt to the UK's dynamic and flexible labour market. Workers value flexibility, and are more likely to hold two or more jobs in areas like the gig economy. This means outdated trade unions, which ... Continue reading

Professor Len Shackleton, IEA Editorial & Research Fellow, was quoted in an op-ed by Ryan Bourne for The Telegraph. The article argued it was not the government's place to intervene in the labour market and mandate on working arrangements. Instead, it should be left to the employer and employee to work out a mutually beneficial ... Continue reading

This week, Sharon Graham was elected General Secretary of Unite, the UK's second largest union. Writing for CapX, IEA Editorial and Research Fellow Professor Len Shackleton argued that this underlines the "increasing feminisation" of the trade union movement. Len noted that while it is welcome that today's more female-friendly unions are far less confrontational, some ... Continue reading

Professor Len Shackleton, IEA Editorial and Research Fellow, and IEA Director of Communications, Annabel Denham, both criticised growing calls for labour market regulation. In a joint op-ed for The Telegraph, Len and Annabel said government interreference in workers' rights in areas such as working from home, and a four-day week would impose a one-size fits all approach which would stifle choice and flexibility.  The pair argued: "regulation ... Continue reading

In her column for The Spectator, Annabel Denham, IEA Director of Communications, suggested French-style legislation which prevents bosses from contacting workers after hours ignores the flexibility of the UK labour market. Annabel warned and a one-size-fits-all approach to labour regulations could damage productivity in certain sectors. Annabel argued: "In exchange for a right to disconnect, ... Continue reading

In an op-ed for CapX, IEA Head of Public Affairs, Emma Revell, agreed with the Chancellor's suggestion that working in the office is better for a person's career progression, but argued it was not down to government to decide which working arrangements people should adopt. Emma said: "While local councils may wish to work with ... Continue reading

IEA Editorial and Research Fellow, Prof. Len Shackleton, commented on the Labour Party's plans to overhaul the UK labour market which includes a  French-style ‘right to disconnect’ and a ‘real living wage’ of at least £10 an hour for all ages in an op-ed for CapX. Len argued: "Of course, these proposals will appeal to ... Continue reading