Pay insecurity before and after the COVID-19 crisis

The economic shock following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the financial precariousness of many families. While the Government quickly put in place a furlough scheme for the majority of employees, some workers with non-standard employment contracts fell through the cracks.

Even before the pandemic, pay insecurity was rising in Britain driven by the boom in the ‘gig’ economy, rising self-employment and growth of zero-hours and other types of jobs that guarantee no or only limited earnings. The rise in insecurity is a long-term trend that may be accelerated by the pandemic.

Insecurity can have many negative effects on people’s well-being but has also been advocated for as necessary to maintain a dynamic and flexible labour market and robust employment growth. What is the evidence on these issues? Can low-paid employees easily adapt to pay instability? Is there a role for the safety net in mitigating instability and insecurity? And is there any evidence that insecure employment helps the unemployed find jobs sooner? What are the implications for economic rebuilding after Covid-19?

The Nuffield Foundation invites you to an online webinar to share findings from recent research, highlight key areas needing policy attention and identify remaining gaps in the evidence base. Researchers from the University of Essex, University of Cardiff and Resolution Foundation will present their research findings followed by an open discussion. To facilitate engagement and the free exchange of ideas, only the presentations will be recorded and made public.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Molly Imrie, Events & Communications Officer (mimrie@nuffieldfoundation.org)