Blogs

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.

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.

Analysis of the January 2026 Labour Market Statistics by IES Chief Executive, Naomi Clayton.

Emily Kramers and Rosie Gloster look at the wider benefits of adult learning, and specifically how these apply to learning English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for participants in the Restart employment support programme.

Nick Litsardopoulos takes an in-depth look at productivity, its relationship to pay and how it is measured, and identifies recommendations to help tackle the current economic stagnation.