Charlie McCurdy looks at the Government’s plan to end exploitative zero-hours contracts Right now, workers on variable-hours contracts shoulder the risks of unpredictable hours (and income), even as their employers benefit. But, as the Government consults on ending exploitative zero-hours contracts (ZHCs), a predictable row has broken out. While unions urge the PM to “keep going” on guaranteed hours rights, businesses press … Continued The post Zero to hero? appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Morning all, Let me start with two disclaimers. First, I’m not an economist, and, as I may intimate below, I quite like poking fun at economists. Second, I’m on holiday and, being in the South of Spain, and having spent a chunk of Wednesday evening staring at the sky (through eclipse specs, don’t worry) I’m … Continued The post A tale of two high streets appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Morning all, We’re well into silly season, arguably augmented this year by one particularly articulate rubbish receptable. In anticipation of next week’s hotly contested by-election,  we’ve rustled up a Chart of the week that considers the performance of both the not-entirely-serious and the downright extra-terrestrial candidates in recent by-elections. Plus, we’ve got plenty of insights into AI … Continued The post Sycophantic bots, silly-season ballots, and sticky prices appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

This month not only brought a new Prime Minister to Downing Street, but also a string of announcements that are highly relevant to the world of WorkerTech. We cover two of the biggest below: the DWP’s new Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, and a shake-up of vocational education aimed at tackling youth unemployment. We also … Continued The post July WorkerTech Round-Up appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Good afternoon, This is Yael Selfin stepping in as a guest editor for this week’s TOTC, and what an exciting week in British politics to be joining you. We are now two weeks into Andy Burnham’s premiership – and while last week ended up as ‘cost of living week’, this week has been focused on some of the … Continued The post Who might benefit from the devolution revolution? appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Afternoon all, Roll up, roll up, we’ve got a policy announcement bonanza for you. The first week of Burnham’s premiership certainly wasn’t short of news. But where does it leave us? The biggest by far was the 5% VAT cut on energy bills, with a £2 bus fare cap also aimed at providing ‘breathing room’ … Continued The post Time to Heal-ey appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Jonny Marshall breaks down the upsides and limitations of the Burnham Government’s first new policy. Andy Burnham has promised to lead a ‘cost-of-living Government’, and the millions of households struggling to balance the books each month will be hoping he means it. His first big policy move at least points the right way: it accepts … Continued The post Trimming the VAT appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Morning all, With hearts broken and hopes crushed all across England, I can promise you a mercifully football-free edition of Top of the Charts this week. Parliament may be in recess but Westminster remains restless. The incoming PM is confirmed, but there is nothing but (virtual) column-inches of media speculation about the makeup of his … Continued The post The balance of power appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Dear Chancellor (whoever you are), I advised a few (nine!) Chancellors in my time in the Treasury but never before did I get to write what I think, uninhibited. Even so, Jeremy Hunt said he appreciated me “speaking truth to power with a smile”. So, as you read this unsolicited advice, I promise I’m smiling… … Continued The post The three steps needed to climb out of the UK’s fiscal hole appeared first on Resolution Foundation.

Afternoon all, What do Take That, Dua Lipa and Little Mix all have in common? Their fans favour Reform more than other parties (according to fun More in Common polling). I guess in August we will find out whether Farage is back for good or if Binface rule(s) the world. Alongside rubbish jokes, regional inequality is flavour of the … Continued The post Relight my fire? Why ‘reindustrialisation’ needs a rethink appeared first on Resolution Foundation.