Four in five low paid workers say the cost-of-living crisis is the worst financial period they have ever faced. The impacts of the crisis are made worse by two decades of lost wage growth, and the prevalence of low paid, often insecure, jobs that fail to act as stepping stones into future careers. Labour shortages and rising economic inactivity have also shone light on the links between work and health, the importance of flexible working and job satisfaction. 

Our third Better Work Conference brought together those working in central and local government, education, training and skills providers, third sector organisations and business to discuss how we can improve access to high quality jobs and boost the living standards of workers. 

The conference included panel discussions, breakout sessions and a networking lunch, with an emphasis on sharing innovative practice. The programme explored different dimensions of job quality, covering key issues relevant to today’s labour market that included:  

• The link between the quality of work and mental health and wellbeing of workers 
• The role of workforce development in boosting businesses and communities 
• Opportunities to advance worker rights and prevent exploitation of workers  
• How a strengthened safety net could improve quality of work and benefit workers 
• Flexible work and its capability to boost participation, productivity and satisfaction 

Speakers included

The Better Work Conference was organised through the Better Work Network, a policy and practice-based initiative which aims to support progression from low pay and improve job quality for all. The year’s conference reflected on the Better Work Network’s latest programme of work, focusing on key elements of job quality. The Better Work Network is generously funded by Trust for London and delivered in collaboration with Learning and Work Institute.