Latest Publications

We research all aspects of education and work, but we focus particularly on aspects that political debate often neglects: further education; vocational and technical education; apprenticeships and lifelong learning; in-work poverty.

Latest Publications:

Publication

Did no one call the plumber? Analysis of the Heat and Buildings Strategy’s approach to skills and workers

This briefing paper analyses the Government’s recent Heat and Buildings Strategy, published last month, insofar that it provides clarity, direction and support for the workers who would deliver the decarbonisation of home heat and thus play a key role in the UK’s Net Zero plans.
Published: 18 November 2021
Author: Amy Norman
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Publication

A healthier future: How to make general practice work better for everyone

This is a collection of essays about general practice in England and its future. The authors offer analysis and prescriptions based on expertise developed working in fields including medicine, NHS management, economics and the Civil Service.
Published: 08 November 2021
Author: Social Market Foundation
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Publication

Signal failure: How can we get more value and less waste from our education system?

This paper discusses the issue of signalling in education – the possibility that some forms of education may do little directly to improve learners’ skills and effectiveness, but may be used primarily to demonstrate or ‘signal’ their pre-existing traits or ability.
Published: 30 September 2021
Author(s): Aveek Bhattacharya, Chris Percy
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Publication

The education divide is about disrespect: why it matters and what graduates should do about it

Disrespect causes disruption – Decision-makers and people with influence urgently need to address the deficit in respect between graduates and those without a degree, recognising that the emphasis on high-level...
Published: 21 September 2021
Author: Rt Hon Stowell of Beeston
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Publication

Guaranteeing a rapid recovery

This briefing paper explores how innovative solutions can help to secure a rapid economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding both jobs and financial resilience.
Published: 20 September 2021
Author: Scott Corfe
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Publication

Baby bust and baby boom: Examining the liberal case for pronatalism

This briefing paper considers the liberal case for explicitly ‘pronatalist’ policies that aim to increase the birth rate in the UK.
Published: 20 September 2021
Author(s): Scott Corfe, Aveek Bhattacharya
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Publication

Help at hand: poverty and London’s business community

This research shows that whilst poverty is not currently the top ESG priority for many businesses in London, there is an appetite among many firms to confront the problem.
Published: 21 July 2021
Author(s): Richard Hyde, Jake Shepherd
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Publication

A question of time: current working hours, preferences and the case for a four-day week

This briefing paper brings new data analysis to the debate, examining who wants and who stands to benefit from a four-day week – and what that means for the case...
Published: 12 July 2021
Author(s): Jake Shepherd, Aveek Bhattacharya
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Publication

A matter of perspective? Outlook inequality and its impact on young people

This report explores young people’s “outlook” in the UK, the role of outlook in shaping life outcomes, and how policy can respond in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: 07 July 2021
Author(s): Scott Corfe, Aveek Bhattacharya
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