Worklessness seminar, 28 June 2006

What is behind London’s high rate of worklessness?

London has a relatively high rate of worklessness.  In London, only around 70 per cent of people of working age are in employment compared to around 75 per cent nationally.  In addition, this gap has been increasing since 1999. Closely related to this, London has the highest rate of child poverty of any region or country in Great Britain - at 39 per cent and in Inner London this rises to 52 per cent.

This seminar explored the reasons behind London's high rate of worklessness with presentations on the results of recent research done for GLA Economics and by HM Treasury, the challenge for welfare to work policy and child poverty in London.

Speakers

Pamela Meadows, Consultant, Synergy Research

In the winter of 2004/05, 31 per cent of the working age population in London was not in employment. This compares with 25 per cent in the country as a whole. Pam presented the incidence of worklessness among different subgroups of the population in London and the characteristics of workless people in London, compared to the rest of the country.

Worklessness in London: why is it higher than in the rest of the country? By Pam Meadows PDF
Worklessness in London: why is it higher than in the rest of the country? By Pam Meadows RTF

Jeff Masters, Policy Advisor, HM Treasury

Alongside Budget 2006, HM Treasury published an associated document concerning the persistence of low employment rates observed in London compared with other UK regions. Jeff summarised the findings from that report and considered the emerging implications for future policy.

Employment opportunity for all: Analysing labour market trends in London By Jeff Masters PDF
Employment opportunity for all: Analysing labour market trends in London By Jeff Masters RTF

Professor Paul Gregg, Bristol University & Council of Economic Advisors/ HM Treasury

Welfare to work policy: The challenges faced in London by Paul Gregg PDF
Welfare to work policy: The challenges faced in London by Paul Gregg RTF

Declan Gaffney, Policy advisor - Social inclusion, Mayor’s office

Declan spoke about child poverty in London. In particular, why child poverty is higher in London, especially in Inner London, compared to nationally.

Child poverty and parental employment by Declan Gaffney PDF
Child poverty and parental employment by Declan Gaffney RTF

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