Redesigning labour market policies for the future of work

Existing labour market policies were designed when permanent full-time jobs and one-occupation careers were commonplace. However, these fail to address new forms of work arrangements: task-based contracts, on-call work, zero-hours contracts, dependent self-employed, or the gig economy. The uncertain nature of these forms of employment means that workers bear greater risk and are increasingly vulnerable to unexpected life events. The increase in active gig-workers from 2.3 million in 2016 to 4.7 million in 2019 suggests a growing need for reform. The research team aims to inform an optimal policy response by investigating and learning from a unique safety net developed for art workers in France, the ‘intermittent du spectacle’ (IDS).

The research has two main objectives:

1. To document the functioning of the IDS scheme to:
   • understand how it incentivises employers and art workers
   • understand how art workers adjust their labour supply to gain eligibility and in response to receiving benefits
   • and determine which workers gain and which lose out on the scheme.
2. To evaluate the impact of the IDS scheme on the French labour market with potential implementation in the UK in mind and derive conditions for a similar approach.

The research team will use data collected from administrative sources to conduct quantitative analysis of the IDS. Estimates will be made of causal policy effects on job searching. To evaluate the potential for implementation in the UK, a model will be created of the job search and labour markets, the parameters will be informed by empirical analysis results.

To maximise potential impact, engagement with key stakeholders will occur throughout the project. Policymakers, academics, international organisations, and the public are the main audiences and communication will be tailored accordingly. The research team will reach out to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Work and hope to maintain a direct connection throughout the project. A non-specialised podcast will be produced and shared on social media at the start of the project. Multiple reports will be produced throughout the project and shared with journalists, politicians, and NGOs. A final report, podcast, and academic research paper will be produced upon completion of the research.