The Better Work Network was a policy and practice-based initiative, hosted by Learning and Work Institute and Trust for London, dedicated to supporting progression from low pay and increasing the quality of work for all.

The network brought together over 830 stakeholders and influencers, including central and local government, think-tanks, charities, employers, funders and organisations involved in the delivery of support.

How did the Better Work Network operate?

  1. Research and development. Our research team conducted targeted research and analysis to test ideas, identify what works and support and develop new approaches; maximising the impact of initiatives to improve earnings and work quality.
  2. Collaboration and evidence sharing. We shared best practice and new thinking through a range of accessible outputs, resources and events; supporting innovation and learning between network members and wider stakeholders.
  3. Networking and influencing. The network influenced policy and practice through the co-ordination and planning of influencing activities with a range of organisations engaged in policy, research, influencing or delivery focused on better work.

Our research and development work

Discover our reports connected to the Better Work Network

The Better Work Audit

Better work Reports & briefings

The Better Work Audit builds on research on the quality of work in London. We examine public data on job quality in the capital, and how this compares to the UK trend.

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The cost of living crisis and its impact on low-income Londoners

Reports & briefings

This briefing note examines the scale of the crisis facing the London and the UK, and the disproportionate impact on low income households. It also explores a wider set of factors that affects people’s ability to cope with record price increases.

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Paved with gold? Views on job quality in the capital

Better work Reports & briefings

This paper looks at the priorities for employment in London, exploring Londoner’s views on work and what their priorities are for the Mayor of London over the next three years.

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Crisis in the capital

Better work Reports & briefings

This report explores the impact of the coronavirus crisis on London’s labour market and low-paid Londoners. It sets out what could be done by central government and London local government to mitigate the impact of the crisis, and build back better.

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The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on London’s low paid workers

Better work Reports & briefings

This paper presents early findings from research examining the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on low paid workers in London. The findings are based on new analysis of labour market data and original polling.

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The Better Work Map

The purpose of the Better Work Map is to increase the visibility of this valuable work to help workers find local support options and strengthen the links between providers and stakeholders working across this area. The map has been hugely successful and is one of our most frequently used resources.

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