Work and Equalities Institute

Work and Equalities Institute. It is a leading interdisciplinary research center based at the Alliance Manchester Business School within the University of Manchester. Established in 2015, the institute focuses on the analysis of work, employment, and labor market inequalities, drawing on expertise from fields such as sociology, industrial relations, and social policy. Its research aims to inform academic debate, public policy, and organizational practice both within the United Kingdom and internationally.

Overview

The institute was founded to consolidate and advance the University of Manchester's long-standing reputation for critical research on the changing world of work. It builds upon the legacy of the former Manchester Industrial Relations Society and research groups within the Manchester Business School. Core to its mission is examining the drivers of inequality, including the impacts of digitalization, the gig economy, and global supply chains. Researchers collaborate with a wide network including the International Labour Organization, the European Trade Union Institute, and various UK government departments.

Research themes

Its research is organized around several interconnected themes. A primary theme investigates the future of work, analyzing trends like automation, platform work, and the evolution of the standard employment relationship. Another major strand focuses on inequalities, exploring disparities related to gender, ethnicity, disability, and age within labor markets. Further themes include work-life balance and care, the quality of work and job design, and the role of institutions such as trade unions, employers' associations, and the state in shaping employment outcomes. This work often engages with frameworks like the Living Wage campaign and debates on Universal Basic Income.

Key projects and initiatives

The institute has led numerous significant research projects funded by bodies like the Economic and Social Research Council and the European Commission. Notable initiatives have included studies on domestic work within the European Union, the enforcement of employment rights, and the effects of Brexit on UK labor standards. It also hosts the Fairwork Foundation project, which rates digital platforms on principles of fair work globally. Other key programs examine the implementation of Modern Slavery Act 2015 in supply chains and the dynamics of collective bargaining in sectors like social care.

Publications and impact

Researchers regularly publish in top academic journals such as Work, Employment and Society, the British Journal of Industrial Relations, and Human Relations. The institute also produces influential policy reports for organizations including the Trades Union Congress, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Its findings have contributed to parliamentary inquiries, informed the development of the Good Work Plan, and shaped international debates at forums like the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Governance and leadership

The institute is directed by Professor Jill Rubery, a renowned scholar in comparative employment systems and gender equality. Its governance involves a steering committee comprising senior academics from across the University of Manchester, including representatives from the School of Social Sciences. An external advisory board includes experts from institutions like the London School of Economics, Penn State University, and leaders from the Confederation of British Industry and the ACAS council. This structure ensures its research remains academically rigorous while maintaining strong links to policy and practice communities.

Category:Research institutes in the United Kingdom Category:University of Manchester Category:Organizations established in 2015