Labour market trends and local policy levers Southampton Fairness Commission 19 June 2014 Dan Finn University of Portsmouth and Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (

Employment, Pay and Poverty Worklessness/unemployment strongly associated with poverty but workless families now account for just under half of all those of working age in poverty UK policy promotes employment to tackle poverty, but strategy challenged by ‘in-work’ poverty and low earnings growth. In-work poverty is associated with household composition and fewer earners in the family and the employment available – hours, pay rates, and job security. In-work poverty disproportionately associated with working women and with certain employment sectors

Labour Supply and Demand Measures Supply side - ‘activation’ policies Job search and work activity requirements Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme Colleges and skills providers ‘Wrap around’ services Universal Credit (by 2017?) Demand side - better quality employment, but trade- offs with ‘quantity’ Initiatives to increase earnings (MW and wage supplements) Improving employment conditions Growth strategies Local Authority levers – procurement, partnerships (Solent LEP, City & Growth Deals), welfare rights/benefit take-up.