Job insecurity is a defining feature of work for many in the UK. Despite high employment rates as COVID-19 hit in early 2020, there was persistent in-work poverty and lack of security for many workers, from unpredictable hours to varying pay week to week. While less secure work arrangements can play a useful role in the labour market, there is reason to be concerned with the current scale and nature of insecurity facing workers in the UK.
In this report, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation puts forward that there is a strong economic case for providing greater security to low-paid workers, and that delivering security should not be put on hold until after the economy has recovered from COVID-19; investing in low-paid worker security plays a role in a stronger economic recovery for all.
The report suggests four areas of reform to ensure all workers have the offer of stable, secure hours and pay, and rights to support them in crisis:
- Maintain momentum on strengthening security for workers
- Set an example of best practice to influence employer behaviour
- Prioritise tackling insecurity in the social care sector
- Improve the social security system’s interaction with less secure work
Download the full report here: https://www.jrf.org.uk/file/55781/download?token=irW5co0R&filetype=briefing
Supporting the Third Sector through COVID-19
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19 can be accessed here.
As ever, our dedicated CSI Representatives are here to understand and unpack the issues that the third sector is facing within the current ESIF programme which are affecting their ability to use European funds effectively.
So that we can raise these issues at government level on your behalf and pro-actively work for solutions, we’re asking Third Sector organisations to tell us their experiences using these funds, in light of the outbreak of COVID-19. Please contact us via info@civilsocietyinvolvement.com
