This report produced in partnership with Peabody analyses the cost-of-living challenges facing hundreds of thousands of London’s social housing residents, highlighting how low-income Londoners have been particularly hard hit by the cost-of-living crisis, worsened by cuts to benefits.

The report found that:

  • The economy is picking up, but barriers to employment and in-work poverty persist for many
  • Among those not working or in low-paid work, more people are going without essentials such as food or heating in order to save money
  • Rising fuel costs are a big worry

The report includes a number of policy recommendations including a strengthened safety net through ensuring the benefits system keeps pace with rising costs of living as much as possible, and further support to combat fuel poverty.

26 February 2026

New innovation trial offers young Londoners with health conditions tailored support to get ‘work ready’

Shaw Trust is funding and designing a new service to help young people with a health condition or disability get ‘work ready.’ The innovation trial will be evaluated by L&W and launched in partnership with the West London Alliance.

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26 February 2026

Responding to the latest NEET data, February 2026

Learning and Work Institute chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the NEET data released on 26 February 2026.

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17 February 2026

Labour Market Briefing: February 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 17 February 2026.

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17 February 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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17 February 2026

Labour market stats response, February 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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20 January 2026

Labour Market Briefing: January 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 20 January 2026.

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20 January 2026

Labour market stats response, January 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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16 January 2026

From strength to strength: JobsPlus in Toxteth

Reflections from one of our delivery providers for JobsPlus, a new community-led approach to help people find work and boost their earnings. JobsPlus is being piloted on 10 sites across England, following the model’s success in the United States.

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13 January 2026

Labour Market Evidence Programme

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies, in partnership with Learning and Work Institute, to deliver evidence reviews and practical resources on key labour market issues to help inform local policymakers.

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