Fighting Inequality in the UK Legal Profession

The Solicitor Regulation Authority (the SRA) has long seen an overrepresentation of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic solicitors in their enforcement process. These disproportionate complaints against minority professionals, however, are not unique to the SRA and are widely seen across many regulators and sectors, including the General Medical Council (GMC), the National Police Chief’s Council … Continue reading Fighting Inequality in the UK Legal Profession

Are modern working lives paving the way for pension poverty? 

This research was carried out by the Pension Gaps Working Party, of which Alexandra Dias is a member, from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. It combines quantitative actuarial modelling with a qualitative ethnographic study in collaboration with Ipsos. Our results have been published in two reports: How much could you lose? and A pension … Continue reading Are modern working lives paving the way for pension poverty? 

Exploring Hybrid Work and Childcare

In this blog we introduce an exciting new cross-disciplinary research programme, Effective hybrid work and childcare, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, that will understand how hybrid workers organise childcare, what influences their decisions and the implications of this. It is led by Naomi Finch at the University of York, in collaboration with Katharina Bader, charities Coram Family and Childcare and Working … Continue reading Exploring Hybrid Work and Childcare

Foundations of Managing British Olympics: Institutions through Time

By Alex Gillett and Kevin Tennent What was the British contribution to the development of the Olympic Games as an institution in the nineteenth and early twentieth century? The 18th century concept of a ‘Grand Tour’ to Europe awakened a new interest in classical Greece and Rome, revitalising the concept of the ancient Olympic games … Continue reading Foundations of Managing British Olympics: Institutions through Time

The Screenwriter’s Conundrum: Why the Streaming Boom Is Not Benefitting the People Who Write the Shows

By Hyojung Sun and Carolyn Hunter While streaming giants are booming, the writers behind our favorite shows face a precarious financial future. Is the shift from residuals to one-off buyouts jeopardizing the next generation of creative storytelling? We live in a golden age of television, driven by digital technology. With seemingly endless new shows and … Continue reading The Screenwriter’s Conundrum: Why the Streaming Boom Is Not Benefitting the People Who Write the Shows

Criminal Landlords in the Private Rented Sector in England 

ESRC-funded research exposes how organised crime and slum landlords exploit vulnerable tenants through abuse, illegal evictions, and coercion By Dr Julie Rugg The private rented sector (PRS) accommodates around 20 per cent of all households in England. The PRS is generally regarded as a problematic sector within the housing market, and the introduction of the … Continue reading Criminal Landlords in the Private Rented Sector in England 

Encouraging No and Low Alcohol Availability and Visibility in Hospitality Settings

With more people moderating their alcohol consumption – or not drinking at all – ensuring no and low alcohol options are available, appealing and visible in hospitality settings is more important than ever. By Prof Victoria Wells (School for Business and Society), Dr Nadine Waehning (School for Business and Society), Dr Sarah Forbes (School for … Continue reading Encouraging No and Low Alcohol Availability and Visibility in Hospitality Settings

Mental health and employment: understanding economic inactivity trends in social context

One in five adults in the UK is economically inactive. What is the causal relationship between mental health and capacity for work? By Dr Annie Irvine Rising rates of mental ill health among working aged people, especially younger people, are causing significant concern to the UK Government. As of August 2025, one in five adults in the … Continue reading Mental health and employment: understanding economic inactivity trends in social context