We publish blogs to provide insights from, and stimulate debate about, the latest research and thinking. Any views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institute as a whole.
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Alison Carter examines how carers can most effectively be supported in the workplace by colleagues, managers and employers, particularly in terms of the critical first step of self-recognition as a carer.
Featured
With NEET levels rising, how do we effectively support those furthest from the labour market to move into and sustain work?
The UK is facing a dual challenge of both consistently focusing on the development of the invisible skills and systematically measuring them. Unless both the issues are addressed together, the disadvantage gap is likely to widen in the context of the future labour market.
Representing IES at the annual Forum of the European HR Directors’ Circle last week, Dr Duncan Brown came away with some great ideas and examples for taking the opportunities presented by our ageing workforces across Europe, as well as how states and employers should be responding to the undoubted challenges.
Using the example of flexible working and recent research on its application (or lack of), Duncan Brown argues that HR functions are overly focused on policy drafting and procedural niceties, such that these policies’ goals are often not delivered into practice. IES research highlights why these policy-into-practice gaps exist, and how to close them.
With the State Pension age rising to 67, Emily Kramers considers what’s needed to drive the recruitment and retention of older workers, drawing on personal experience to demonstrate the process of a career change in later life and the positive impact of age diversity at work.
The publication of more details on pay transparency proposals in the UK and EU appears to have incurred diametrically opposed reactions from affected employers. Duncan Brown provides more detail and suggests employers need to continue to implement greater pay transparency and understanding.
Nick Litsardopoulos examines the current crisis in UK graduate employment, reflecting on the factors which have led to it, and identifying the actions and policy priorities which could provide possible solutions.
Astrid Allen examines the challenges facing single working parents, makes recommendations for the changes needed for employers to offer more support, and looks the evidence showing the business benefits of doing this.
In National Careers Week educational institutions aim to make young people aware of the resources they have available to support them on their career journey. But how clear, accessible and supported are the career paths that UK employers are offering, not just to them, but their whole workforce? Duncan Brown reviews the current state-of-play and suggests some improvements.
Unemployment is close to a five-year high at 5.2%, as more people are actively looking for work, with the employment rate and economic inactivity rate down slightly on the quarter. Payrolled employment continues to fall, though seemingly at a slower rate. Analysis of the February 2026 Labour Market Statistics by IES Chief Executive, Naomi Clayton.
Dr Alexandra Nancarrow examines how mapping the available support for transitioning from education to employment is essential for helping young people access the right services, and for enabling local authorities to identify gaps and build a more coherent, integrated system.
