Better Work Network will help Londoners improve their careers and earnings

Low pay and the quality of work are problems for many people living in the capital but a new network launched by Learning and Work Institute plans to find the best ways of tackling this. With support from Trust for London, the Better Work Network aims to improve earnings and work quality in the city and make sure improvements are found that will bring real and long-lasting change.

Date:

13 03 2018

Tagged by:

Share:

In London there are a growing number of initiatives supporting good work and in-work progression, both in boroughs and at a city-wide level, such as the Skills Escalator pilot, Step Up and L&W’s Ambition London programme. The Better Work Network will draw these together, identify and promote the best learning from each and provide a coordinating role to make change more effective and longer-lasting. The network will gather and share evidence on ‘what works’, build capacity and promote best practice to influence government, funders, employers and organisations delivering support.

Over two years, the network will:

  • Establish a policy and practice-based network, supporting learning between organisations engaged in policy, research, influencing or delivery around the Better Work agenda, including hosting policy and practice conferences and masterclasses.
  • Carry out targeted research and analysis to support projects, test ideas and identify good practice.
  • Develop a dedicated website to disseminate outputs from the network; provide accessible summaries of research on low pay/job quality issues; and provide resources relevant to London projects and wider audiences.
  • Co-ordinate and plan additional activities to influence policy and practice on better work.
Kathryn Ray, Head of Research – Employment and Skills, said:
“This network will help improve employment prospects for the one in five employed Londoners in low pay and the one in ten in insecure work. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to poverty reduction, improving economic competitiveness, and ensuring the success of Universal Credit roll out.”